Mbekezeli Mbokazi sends message to South African fans as he begins work at Chicago Fire

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has finally started his journey as a Chicago Fire player having arrived in the United States this week to link up with his new team.

Mbokazi had been given some time off after representing South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but he has finally arrived for duty at the club which signed him for $3 million (R48.6 million) from Orlando Pirates last month.

The 20-year-old Hluhluwe-born centre-back was welcomed at the club by head coach Gregg Berhalter, who doubles as Chicago Fire’s Director of Football, and he had a special message for his fans in South Africa.

“Hello everyone, my name is Mbekezeli Mbokazi, I wanted to pass on a message of thanks and let you know that I have finally arrived,” Mbokazi said in a clip posted on social media by Chicago Fire while speaking in isiZulu.

Mbokazi eyeing immediate impact

“Giving praise and thanks to the Lord Almighty as well as everyone who wished me safe travels. All I wanted to say is that I have arrived safely and I am happy with my teammates as we are in pre-season.

“The rest of you will all still witness and don’t give up on seeing us.”

The defender has joined his new teammates in pre-season in Florida where they will feature in a mini-tournament as part of their tune up ahead of the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

Chicago Fire will have a month to prepare before they start their 2026 campaign away to Houston Dynamos on February 22 and they will hope that Mbokazi and his compatriot Puso Dithejane, signed from TS Galaxy this month, hit the ground running.