Mbekezeli Mbokazi Biography: Age, Orlando Pirates, Chicago Fire and Bafana
Mbekezeli Mbokazi at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mbekezeli Mfanufikile Mbokazi |
| Date of birth | 19 September 2005 |
| Age | 21 |
| Place of birth | Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Height | 1.77 m |
| Club | Chicago Fire, USA (since early 2026) |
| Former club | Orlando Pirates |
| National team | Bafana Bafana |
Early Life and Youth Football
Mbokazi grew up in Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal. He played youth football for Makhasa FC and the Langalibalele Academy before joining Orlando Pirates’ reserve team.
Orlando Pirates
Mbokazi made his first-team debut for Pirates in March 2025. He quickly became a regular in defence and was even given the captain’s armband in 2025, while still only 20. In the 2025/26 season he won his first two major trophies, the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. The Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants was his last game for Pirates.
The Move to Chicago Fire
In December 2025, Orlando Pirates announced an agreement to sell Mbokazi to Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. The fee was not disclosed by the clubs, but reports put it at about US$3 million. Chicago said his contract runs until 2029, with a club option for the 2029/30 season. Chicago’s head coach, Gregg Berhalter, said the club expected him to make an immediate impact.
First Season in Major League Soccer
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | MLS debut, starting in a 2-1 defeat away to Houston Dynamo. Fellow South African Puso Dithejane also made his debut |
| February to August 2026 | Started all 12 of his regular-season matches for Chicago Fire |
| August 2026 | Tore a thigh muscle. Chicago first said he would miss the rest of the season, but coach Gregg Berhalter later said he could return before the season ends |
Bafana Bafana
Mbokazi played for South Africa’s under-20 team before moving up to Bafana Bafana. He is one of the young defenders the national team is building around.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi Questions
How old is Mbekezeli Mbokazi?
He was born on 19 September 2005, so he is 21.
Which club does Mbokazi play for?
Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, since early 2026.
How much did Chicago Fire pay for Mbokazi?
The fee was not disclosed. Reports put it at about US$3 million.
Where is Mbekezeli Mbokazi from?
Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal.
Is Mbokazi injured?
He tore a thigh muscle in August 2026. Chicago Fire later said he could return before the end of the 2026 MLS season, but no return date was confirmed.
What position does Mbokazi play?
Centre-back.
More: Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana.