Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has spoken out following widespread criticism of his transfer to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
A Surprise Transfer
The 20-year-old’s move to the United States was announced in December 2025, just days before he captained the Pirates to victory in the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants. Having broken into the Bucs’ first team and earned a place in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana setup as a teenager, many expected his next step to be a move to Europe. Instead, his decision to join Chicago Fire raised eyebrows.
The Backlash
Media pundits and fans questioned the move, but it was national team coach Hugo Broos who delivered the harshest assessment. Broos suggested that Mbokazi’s transfer had inflated his ego, calling the decision “ill-advised” and dismissing Chicago Fire as “not even a Cup team.” Those remarks intensified the debate around the young defender’s career path.
Mbokazi’s Response
Speaking to the South African Football Journalists’ Association (SAFJA), Mbokazi defended his choice:
“It becomes difficult when you hear how people speak where I come from. But people must understand it’s not easy to immediately reach the highest level. I’m still young, I’m growing, and everything will happen when the time is right.”
He emphasized patience and long-term growth over rushing into “big moves” simply to satisfy public opinion:
“The level I want to reach, I know I’ll get there. Age is on my side, so I won’t rush. Where I am now, I feel good. I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m happy to start here. When the time comes to move higher, I’ll go.”
Mbokazi concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity, framing his MLS stint as a stepping stone toward greater ambitions.