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Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s agent Basia Michaels admits that her client’s humility has helped him to not get big headed with the success that has followed him with his move to America and rise in the national team.
Mbokazi, 20, moved to the MLS side in January 2026 after an impressive short stint with Orlando Pirates’ first team. He has made 12 appearances in the side’s 14 league matches so far and helped them to third place on the Eastern Conference log with 26 points. Fire fans have also voted him to be in the MLS-All-Star team.
‘TLB’ was also impressive with Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup where he played all his country’s matches and helped the team reach the last 32 round, a historic feat for the South African senior side. He was also rated among the best young defenders at the event.
Michaels told iDiski Times senior journalist Lorenz Köhler in edition 264 of the newspaper how Mbokazi has remained himself despite the hype around him.
“Mbeke is exceptionally grounded, and we’ve seen that with his reaction to him signing at Fire,” Michaels told iDiski Times.
“He has remained true to being who he is by ensuring that he does his interviews in isiZulu and not trying to become someone that he isn’t, and we’ve seen many players easily try to become who and what they aren’t because of the hype.”
Michaels added that she’s not surprised by Mbokazi’s success saying he has even surpassed what she expected from him.
“When I first saw Mbokazi play, believe it or not, I knew he was special,” added the agent.
“His passing range from a CB position was something I haven’t seen. I didn’t hesitate to make the call and ensure that I sign him, but he has definitely surpassed the targets and goals I had for him.”
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