Overview
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi has completed a move from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire and is preparing for the new MLS season, which begins for the club on February 22 away from home.
- Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter says MLS is a step up from South Africa’s league and argues the move will accelerate Mbokazi’s development.
- Berhalter says he has held multiple conversations with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and describes ongoing coordination with South Africa’s national-team staff.
- Broos publicly criticised the transfer, including a disparaging remark about the Fire, later apologised for how he expressed himself, and faces an SAHRC complaint filed by the UDM; he denies racism and sexism.
- Mbokazi’s agent Basia Michaels voiced concern that Broos could leave the defender out of upcoming Bafana squads, even though the 20-year-old has been a recent regular and started at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.