Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Chicago Fire confirm Orlando Pirates defender’s signing

MLS club Chicago Fire has finally confirmed the signing of Orlando Pirates captain Mbekezeki Mbokazi.

Mbokazi was in the United States of America late last month to complete his transfer to the club before he returned to Pirates and the deal has now been confirmed by his new side.

Chicago Fire have signed Mbokazi on a four-year deal, running up to 2029, with an option to extend by a further year, although it has not been confirmed when he will link up with the club.

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

“Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates of South Africa’s Betway Premiership,” Chicago said in a statement on their website.

Chicago coach thrilled with Mbokazi signing

“Mbokazi will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position, and his contract will run through 2029, with a Club option for the 2029/30 season. Per Club and MLS Policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”

Chicago Fire Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter expressed his delight at landing one of the highly-rated young defenders in Africa.

“We are excited to welcome Mbekezeli to the club as we further strengthen our back line,” said 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 future.”

How much is the MLS club paying for TLB?

Although the club did not disclose the transfer fee, it is believed the Illinois-based club will pay Pirates $3 million (R51 million) for the 20-year-old.

Mbokazi has become one of South Africa’s brightest prospects since bursting onto the scene in March 2025, establishing himself as a key player for Pirates before he caught the eye of Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who handed him his national team debut in June and has not dropped him since.

TLB, as he is popularly known, has made 38 appearances for Pirates since getting promoted to the senior team by ex-coach Jose Riveiro, scoring two goals and weighing in with as many assists.

The 20-year-old has five Bafana Bafana caps and played a key role in their last four 2026 World Cup qualifiers as South Africa sealed a ticket to next year’s tournament.

He will likely join his new club in January after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mbokazi will wear the No.4 shirt at his new club which will be hoping to make it to the MLS playoffs next season after missing out this term.