Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana center-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, popularly known as “TLB” made his starting debut for Chicago Fire FC in a high-scoring 4–3 defeat against the Portland Timbers. Despite the loss, Mbokazi’s solid individual performance served as a defiant response to critics questioning his readiness for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbokazi’s transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) sparked intense debate across social media. Many fans argued the defender made a “rushed decision,” suggesting he should have held out for a move to the English Premier League after his solid performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The skepticism was not limited to fans; Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos previously told the media that the move to America was an “ill-advised decision” by his agent that could potentially derail the player’s career prospects.
Despite the noise, Mbekezeli Mbokazi remains South Africa’s most impressive defensive prospect in a generation. As the national team prepares for its first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010, the 21-year-old center-back is widely expected to be the anchor of the squad this June.