‘He will be in Manchester at 25’ – Pirates legend makes bold prediction about Mbokazi

Orlando Pirates legend Edward Motale has disagreed with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and those who do not support Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s transfer to the MLS.

Mbokazi’s move to America has divided opinion among fans with Broos among those who feel he could have waited for a club in Europe.

However, former Pirates defender Motale thinks Mbokazi made the right choice by moving to Chicago Fire as he has a chance to prove himself and earn a big-money transfer to one of the top teams in Europe.

Motale backs Mbokazi’s MLS move

“Going to America is a stepping stone. We need such movements,” Motale said on SoccerBeat.

“Who started in Europe besides Mark Fish, Lucas [Radebe] and the late Sizwe? The rest started in Turkey, Greece…Pitso went to Greece, Doctor Khumalo went to America…Helman.”

The 59-year-old believes Mbokazi has a good career trajectory and has age on his side which will put him in good stead to still make the jump to Europe and has even predicted a transfer to one of the English Premier League giants.

Will TLB play in Manchester in future?

“That is a stepping stone for him to go and prove himself to a bigger league,” he added. “Remember, he is still young, 20 years. By the time he gets more mature, around 25, he will be somewhere in Manchester.”

Mbokazi is set to begin a fresh chapter in his career at Chicago Fire, having agreed a deal last month, just before Bafana Bafana went to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The left-footed defender was signed for $3 million (R51 million) from Orlando Pirates.