Speculation around the 20-year-old’s switch to the United States intensified last week after he missed Pirates’ 2-0 league win over Chippa United.

Mbokazi returned to the matchday squad in the Buccaneers’ subsequent fixture against Durban City, helping the team to another 2-0 victory while the final steps of the transfer were being finalised.

The Buccaneers announced the move in a formal statement on their website.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire for the transfer of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi,” the club said.

Pirates confirmed Mbokazi recently travelled to the United States, where he completed his medical and agreed personal terms with Chicago Fire — sealing what the club described as a “move of a lifetime” for the Bafana Bafana international.

Pirates hailed the youngster’s rapid rise, noting that since his professional debut in March 2025, he has already lifted silverware with the Soweto giants and earned a senior national team call-up. His performances have also positioned him as a strong contender for inclusion in Bafana Bafana’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Following positive negotiations between the two clubs, Mbokazi will continue with Orlando Pirates until their final official fixture of 2025, after which he will head to the United States to begin the next phase of his promising career.

“He will then embark on a new chapter of his football journey across the Atlantic, joining Chicago Fire as the next step in what promises to be an exceptional career,” Pirates concluded.