Revealed: Flemming Berg’s secret hand in Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s MLS transfer

Mamelodi Sundowns Sporting Director Flemming Berg reportedly played a key role in Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s transfer from Orlando Pirates to MLS club Chicago Fire.

Mbokazi sealed a dream move to the United States when Chicago Fire signed him for a reported $3 million (R48 million) from Pirates after becoming one of South Africa’s best players at a very young age and with just one-and-a-half seasons in the senior team.

Now, it has been revealed that it is not just the player’s agent who orchestrated the move but Berg also gave a good word to Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter about Mbokazi, further convincing him to sign the central defender.

Chicago coach on Berg’s role

“It’s no secret that me and Flemming have had a long relationship over the years,” Berhalter told members of the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA).

“And there are times when we ask him about a talent in South Africa and there are times when he comes to us. But we watch a lot of games in the South African league and we’re able to understand the talent on the field.”

Berhalter says he made up his mind to sign Mbokazi after watching him for a long time, having identified the needs of his team, and left impressed by what he would add to the side.

How did MLS side scout Mbokazi?

“I think the first thing is that we’re looking to strengthen our team. One thing we looked at is areas to improve, and we identified center back as an area,” he added.

“And that’s where through scouting, through connections in South Africa, we were able to identify Mbokazi. And then we watched his games and watched what he was able to bring.

“And it was very exciting that a player at this age can play a leadership role with his team, can be playing for the national team,” he said.

Mbokazi is in line to make his Chicago Fire debut this weekend when they begin their MLS campaign away to Houston Dynamos on Sunday.