Mbokazi transfer to Chicago finalised

Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s transfer to Chicago Fire has been confirmed with both clubs announcing the move simultaneously on Tuesday.

He has signed a contract until 2029 with an option for one more season, but other details of the deal were not announced, although it had been earlier reported that Pirates sold the player for some R50 million.

Welcome to Chicago, TLB! 👋🇿🇦

We have acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates of South Africa’s Betway Premiership. #cf97 pic.twitter.com/ZXPd1SwlWo — Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) December 2, 2025

“We are excited to welcome Mbekezeli to the club as we further strengthen our back line,” said Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter.

“In his young career, he has already shown high potential and proven himself to be a strong leader and competitor on the international level. We expect immediate impact and room to grow in the future.”

The 20-year-old, from Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal, flew to Chicago last month for a medical to sign his contract but returned to play for Pirates in their Betway Premiership win over Durban City on Saturday.

It is not clear whether he will have a last game for the club in the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane on Saturday, but the centre back did train with the Buccaneers on Tuesday.

Mbokazi, who has five caps for South Africa, was on Monday included in the squad to go to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Mbokazi will join Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United) and Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union) as South African players competing in Major League Soccer.