Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Orlando Pirates star returns to Mzansi, date set for MLS move

Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned to South Africa from the United States of America where he had been in the last few days to work on a transfer to the MLS.

The left-footed defender is in line to start Pirates’ PSL match against Chippa United on Tuesday evening but it will be the beginning of his goodbyes after the Soweto giants reportedly agreed a R51 million deal with MLS club Chicago Fire.

According to SABC, Mbokazi will not move immediately but will continue with Pirates until the Africa Cup of Nations, when he will link up with Bafana Bafana, and then move to Chicago in January after South Africa’s participation in the continental tournament.

What are the details of TLB’s move to Chicago?

“All but done, R51 million that Orlando Pirates have agreed a deal with Chicago Fire from MLS for TLB to make that move in January shortly after the AFCON,” SABC presenter Mazola Molefe said on Soccerzone.

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 37 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.