Orlando Pirates defender shares how Mbokazi’s MLS transfer will benefit Bafana

Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki believes Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s transfer to the MLS will add a positive impact to the national team.

Xoki saw his former teammate Mbokazi make the switch from Pirates to the United States of America where he joined MLS club Chicago Fire last December.

His transfer divided opinion with some supporting it while others, who include Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos, were against the move, claiming he is ‘too good for the MLS’ and should have waited for a European club.

However, Xoki has lauded Mbokazi for making a huge jump in his career at a young age and feels the 20-year-old will not only elevate his family but also Bafana Bafana going by what he will learn in the MLS.

Xoki on importance of Mbokazi’s MLS move

“TLB is one special talent and one for ages,” Xoki told journalists. “We are all just supporting him from behind and hoping that he uses this opportunity to elevate his career and help his family so we just say kudos to him.”

“I am sure the whole country is behind him. We have seen at AFCON how he played and that can only elevate our national team,” added the Pirates defender. “So we are hoping that he continues to be the TLB that we know and he improves.”

Mbokazi, who was promoted to the Pirates senior team last term, needed one-and-a-half seasons to be noticed by the MLS club and left the Buccaneers after playing just 39 games.

He is settling in at his new club who he linked up with this month as they continue with their pre-season ahead of their MLS kick off away to Huston Dynamos on February 22.