Mbekezeli Mbokazi Poised for Farewell as Orlando Pirates Target Carling Knockout Glory
Saturday’s Carling Knockout final could mark the last time Mbekezeli Mbokazi pulls on the Orlando Pirates jersey. The centre-back is set for a transfer to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in the New Year, with reports suggesting a deal worth around R50 million has already been agreed.
The MLS regular season begins in February, by which time Mbokazi will have completed his national duties at the AFCON finals, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed the 20-year-old in his final squad, underlining his growing importance at both club and international level.
Mbokazi’s rise has been rapid. A year ago, he had not made his first-team debut. That milestone came on December 17, 2024, against Sekhukhune United when coach Jose Riveiro entrusted the teenager with a full 90 minutes. Despite a loss, Mbokazi’s performance marked him as a player for the future.
It took another 10 weeks before he returned to first-team action in March 2025, after which he became a mainstay. Within just one year, he has captained Pirates, played in the CAF Champions League semifinals and Nedbank Cup final, earned five caps for Bafana Bafana, lifted the MTN8 as captain, and now prepares for the Carling Knockout final.
Mbokazi’s composure at the back has belied his age. His performances have neutralized top attackers, including Ademola Lookman during international duty. He has become a recognized figure to strikers across domestic and continental competitions, demonstrating maturity beyond his 20 years.
Despite eligibility for this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, he remained with Pirates to focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October. Clubs were not required to release players for the Under-20 tournament, which fell outside FIFA calendar dates. He also missed the Under-20 AFCON earlier this year, reflecting his growing influence at the senior level.
Mbokazi hails from KwaNibela, a village near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, putting his hometown on the national football map. Saturday’s final represents both a potential farewell and a chance to add another trophy to a remarkable first year in senior football. His anticipated move to Chicago Fire signals the next step in a career that has already seen rapid ascent and national recognition.
