The 20-year-old South African defender would be the Chicago Fire’s first defensive addition of the offseason

The Chicago Fire are a few steps away from adding a significant piece to their center back room. 

South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 20, is in the United States as the Fire are in the final steps of agreeing to a deal with Orlando Pirates FC for around $3 million, sources have confirmed to On Tap Sports Net. News of the negotiations and the transfer sum was first reported by Mark Gleeson. 

While the deal was not completed as of midday on November 22, both sides are confident a transfer can be negotiated in the coming days. 

Mbokazi would be a high-upside signing for the Fire entering 2026 as he is preparing for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. South African National Team head coach Hugo Broos told reporters in October that Mbokazi should leave the South African Premiership this winter in order to take his career to the next level, which it appears the center back has done in making the move to Chicago and Major League Soccer. 

Mbokazi made his professional debut for Orlando Pirates FC in 2024 and has since made 36 appearances in all competitions for the side he has recently worn the captain’s armband for. The center back made his senior national team debut for South Africa in a friendly against Mozambique on June 10, 2025 and subsequently started three matches that helped his national team qualify for next year’s World Cup. 

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The Chicago Fire have needed another left-footed defender in their ranks as the departures of Chase Gasper and Omar González appear imminent and Mbokazi would fit that role while providing long-term upside as someone who has eyes on playing in Europe in the future. 

Patience would be required as Mbokazi would be making the move to a league whose style is different from what he has dealt with in South Africa. Having said that, he is the type of young signing that the Chicago Fire have wanted since director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter: talented and wants to prove they’re worthy of an opportunity in a big league in Europe. Viktor Radojevic, Leonardo Barroso and Dje D’Avilla were the 2025 additions with that profile and Mbokazi appears to be the first one for the 2026 season.