CHICAGO, USA — South African football sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi has urged fans and pundits to trust his process following his high-profile move from Orlando Pirates to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire.
In a candid reflection on his career trajectory, the 20-year-old defender emphasized that his recent move is a strategic foundation rather than a rushed decision.
“The level I want to reach later is within my grasp, I know I will reach it,” Mbokazi stated. “Given my age, I’m in no hurry to rush into things or force ‘big moves’ simply to satisfy some people’s expectations.”
Ignoring the Noise
The transfer sent shockwaves through South African football, drawing scrutiny from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who questioned the wisdom of moving to the MLS over a European league.
Mbokazi, however, believes that building a solid foundation in the United States is the best step for his development.
“Although people have our best interests at heart, we must start with a solid foundation. We won’t rush, we need to start somewhere first.”
A Strategic Move for Long-Term Goals
Mbokazi is currently integrating into the Chicago Fire squad under head coach Gregg Berhalter, occupying a U22 Initiative roster slot. This move allows him to adapt to a faster, more physical style of play in a competitive league, preparing him for the highest levels of European football in the future.
The defender is focused on consistent playtime to secure his spot in the national team setup, aiming to bring technical discipline to the Chicago Fire roster for the upcoming season.
