Ex-Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi breaks silence on his MLS move

The highly rated 20-year-old stunned local football circles when his move to Major League Soccer was confirmed in December 2025, just days before he captained Pirates to Carling Knockout Cup glory against Marumo Gallants.

Having broken into the Buccaneers' first team and earned recognition within Bafana Bafana at a young age, many expected Europe to be his next destination.

Instead, Mbokazi's switch to MLS drew sharp reactions from pundits and supporters alike, with national team head coach Hugo Broos among the most vocal critics. Broos questioned the wisdom of the move, suggesting it had inflated the defender's ego and describing Chicago Fire as "not even a Cup team."

The criticism prompted a response from Mbokazi's agent, Basia Michaels, and has now been addressed directly by the player himself.

Speaking to the South African Football Journalists' Association, as reported by iDiski Times, Mbokazi admitted the backlash had been difficult to process.

"It becomes hard when you hear how people speak where I come from," he said.

"But people must understand that reaching the highest level isn't easy. I'm still young and growing."

Mbokazi stressed that he is in no rush to chase so-called "big moves", believing his development will unfold naturally. For now, the defender says he is content in Chicago, viewing the move as an important learning phase rather than a final destination.

"The level I want to reach, I know I'll reach it. The time will come. Where I am right now is good for me. It's about lessons, growth and enjoying the journey," he concluded.