Mbokazi's MLS leap: ambition or career risk for Pirates star?

ORLANDO Pirates and Bafana Bafana young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is reportedly on the brink of a major career move, with Major League Soccer (MSL) outfit Chicago Fire pushing hard to secure his signature.

- SMISO MSOMI

For Pirates, the numbers are tempting - the club could reportedly receive around $3 million (about R52m) if the transfer is finalised. For a 20-year-old already trusted with the captain’s armband and firmly in the Bafana conversation, the interest is deserved. But the timing and destination raise far more questions than answers.

This is the kind of move that looks good on paper, especially financially, yet threatens to undermine the trajectory of one of South Africa’s most promising defenders. With the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco kicking off next month and the Fifa World Cup set for next year, Mbokazi is entering the most important period of his young career.