Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is close to securing a move from South Africa (SA) to Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire leading the chase for his signature.
The deal, first reported by veteran football journalist Mark Gleeson, is expected to be worth around $3 million to Pirates if negotiations are concluded successfully.
Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels, reportedly travelled to the United States on Friday to work on finalising the move ahead of the January transfer window. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since breaking into Pirates’ senior squad last season, earning praise for his strong defensive presence and maturity on the pitch.
A switch to Chicago would see him join the small contingent of South Africans already playing in Major League Soccer. Bongokuhle Hlongwane is currently with Minnesota United, while Olwethu Makhanya and SA-born coach Bradley Carnell are part of the set-up at the Philadelphia Union.
–ChannelAfrica–
