Ouaddou feigns ignorance on reported Mbokazi’s Pirates exit

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been tipped to leave Orlando Pirates in the next couple of months.

The 20-year-old has been performing well for the Buccaneers as well as South Africa since testing top-tier football in March. He was even promoted to be the club’s assistant captain with Nkosinathi Sibisi the main one.

His exploits have attracted some top teams, but, seemingly, it is the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago fire who have won the race to sign the bulky centre-back. The United States of America outfit are reportedly read to pay $3 million for the South Africa sensation.

“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.

What is Ouaddou saying?

On Tuesday night, Mbokazi was absent as the Sea Robbers claimed a 2-0 Premier Soccer League win over Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium. Sibisi and Lebone Seema were at the heart of the club’s defence.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, however, was coy on the speculated move, insisting the defender is still part of his plans.

“What I can tell you is that I’m not aware of this news, for me, Mbokazi is still in my group,” the former Morocco international opened up to the media.

“Today [Tuesday], like I just said, I rotate the players, and he’s one of the most important players in my group. So for me, he’s still with us, and that’s it. He’s still my player,” he concluded.

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.