Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is in the United States this weekend discussing a possible move to Chicago Fire, officials have confirmed.
The 20-year-old centre back is set to make a US$3 million transfer to Major League Soccer if he agrees to terms and signs.
If he does so, it would mean he has effectively played his last game for the Buccaneers, who have three more matches left this year against Chippa United on Tuesday, Durban City next week in the Betway Premiership, and the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane on 6 December.
Mbokazi looks a definite selection for the South Africa squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, which are from 21 December to 18 January, after which he will head to the US for pre-season training.
Chicago Fire have already been eliminated from this year’s Major League Soccer playoffs and start their new season in February.
EXPLOSIVE TALENT
A departure from Pirates for Mbokazi has been on the cards for several months now after his explosive entry to the professional ranks.
Mbokazi only made his debut for the Buccaneers in March amid an injury crisis among the defenders, but took to the professional ranks like he had been playing there for years and in the matter of some 10 matches had won a first call-up to the South Africa squad, debuting as a 19-year-old in a friendly international against Mozambique in June.
This season, he was appointed Pirates’ captain and helped them to win the MTN8 title over Stellenbosch in September.
His long-range goal against Siwelele in the first round of the Carling Knockout in early October laid the foundation for the club’s run to a second final this season.
Mbokazi, who hails from Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal, would continue a long association between South African football and US soccer, starting with Kaizer Motaung’s move to the old North American Soccer League in the late 60s.
There are two South African players in the MLS at present – Bongokuhle Hlongwane at Minnesota United and Olwethu Makhanya at Philadelphia Union, who are both involved in playoff matches this weekend.