Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Latest update on ex-Pirates star after World Cup exploits

South Africa international Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been on the rise since his introduction to senior football in March, 2025 while at Orlando Pirates.

He needed a couple of months to break into the Bafana Bafana set-up, playing a crucial role in helping the nation to qualify and compete in prestigious tournaments. The versatile defender was part of the South African squad that played in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a couple of weeks after moving to Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire.

The world saw his talent and potential as he shone for the national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana, for the first time in history, made the Round of 32.

The 20-year-old played all four games as Mzansi were undone by Canada in the knockout phase by a solitary goal scored late into the game.

My phone has been busy – Mbokazi’s agent opens up

Following his exploits in the prestigious global competition, there have been reported suitors who are keen on signing Mbokazi. His agent, Basia Michaels, has shed more light on the situation.

“Extremely busy – but busy is good… so we take it,” she responded when asked about the situation as quoted by iDiski Times.

“It’s very, very early to tell, but there have been a good number of scouts that have reached out that are doing the initial groundwork that needs to be done. When the sporting directors start calling, then I know it’s real.

“I’ve said this before, and I will say it again [that Mbokazi can play in a top European league]; his talent isn’t questionable,” she concluded.