The Orlando Pirates confirmed that has reached an agreement with Major Soccer League side Chicago Fire for the transfer of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Pirates' confirmation came after a week of speculations about his exit following the reports by SABC Sports' journalist Mazola Molefe.
Buccaneers said the 20-year-old completed a successful medical and finalised personal terms with the Men in Red during his recent trip to the United States, paving the way for a move of a lifetime for the Bafana Bafana international.
Mbokazi's imminent departure to overseas was expected because since he joined the Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the season became the talk of the town due to his out of this world outstanding performances in the colours of the Mighty Buccaneers and Bafana Bafana.
Pirates stated that Mbokazi's growth has been nothing short of meteoric. In his debut year as a professional (5 March 2025), he has already lifted his first piece of silverware with the Mighty Buccaneers and, on the international front, earned a call-up to the senior national team. Such has been his impact that he is widely expected to be part of the squad heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Pirates mentioned that Mbokazi will play the remaining matches for the year 2025 after they reached agreement with his new club.
"Following positive discussions between the management of both Clubs, it has been agreed that Mbokazi will remain with Orlando Pirates until the final official fixture of 2025.
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," concluded the Buccaneers.