Orlando Pirates’ 20-year-old defensive prodigy, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, is reportedly closing in on a landmark move to Major League Soccer, a step that could define the next chapter of his promising career.
At such a young age, Mbokazi has already outgrown local expectations, and his next step could spark renewed debate over the impact of MLS moves for Bafana Bafana players.
Read: Jose Riveiro reflects on Monnapule Saleng
The youngster has reportedly travelled to the United States to finalise the transfer, with the fee believed to be around R52 million.
Football commentator Mark Gleeson was among the first to highlight the news, marking the latest milestone in Mbokazi’s meteoric rise — from standout performances in the Pirates backline to becoming a key figure in Hugo Broos’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup-bound squad.
A move to MLS would see Mbokazi join fellow South Africans thriving in the US top tier, including former Maritzburg United striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who has been scoring freely for Minnesota United, and defender Olwethu Makhanya at Philadelphia Union.
If the transfer goes through, Mbokazi will follow in the footsteps of former DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) graduate Mohau Nkota, who recently secured a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq Club, becoming another Pirates player to earn an opportunity abroad.
With his next chapter set to unfold in the United States, all eyes will be on Mbokazi as he adapts to a new league and tests his potential on an international stage.