Is Saturday’s clash against Marumo Gallants Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s last match for Orlando Pirates?
This weekend's Carling Knockout Clash against Marumo Gallants could be Mbekezeli Mbokazi's last game in an Orlando Pirates jersey.
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This Saturday’s Carling Knockout clash between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants could be Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s last game for the Sea Robbers.
If recent reports are to be believed, the 20-year-old defensive lynchpin is set to complete a move to Major League Soccer after Chicago Fire submitted a R51 million bid for the Bafana Bafana star.
With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off in three weeks, South African football goes into hiatus after this week’s games. Tuesday and Wednesday sees a whole host of games, with Pirates’ clash against Gallants on Saturday the sole game this weekend.
With the tournament running into mid-January, and the American transfer window opening towards the end of that month, Mbokazi could head straight to Chicago from Morocco if the deal is concluded.
While Pirates will be reluctant to lose one of their brightest young talents, the fee on the table represents significant value for a player who has risen rapidly over the past 18 months. Mbokazi has become a central figure in Abdeslam Ouaddou’s system, offering both composure in possession and bite in defensive transitions – qualities that have made him attractive to overseas scouts.
A move to MLS would mark a major step in his career, with Chicago viewing him as a defensive cornerstone – whether in the back line or as a hybrid option capable of stepping into midfield when needed – in a league that continues to grow in quality and global visibility.
For a 20-year-old already establishing himself in the national team setup, the opportunity to test himself abroad could accelerate his development even further.
For now, all eyes will be on Saturday’s match, where Mbokazi may don the black and white of Ezimnyama ngenkani ezikamagebhula for the final time.
The club’s supporters will hope for a performance befitting the impact he has made, while the player himself will be eager to sign off on a high note before turning his focus to Afcon – and possibly, a new chapter in the United States.
IOL Sport