Mbekezeli Mfanufikile Mbokazi (born 19 September 2005), is a South African professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire and the South Africa national team.
Originally a member of Orlando Pirates' reserve team, Mbokazi made his first-team debut in March 2025. Later that year, he won his first two major professional trophies as Orlando Pirates claimed the MTN 8 and the Carling Knockout Cup at the start of the 2025-26 season. He became youngest player to captain the Orlando Pirates, doing so at the age of 19 before he transferred to the Chicago Fire.
Club career Orlando Pirates He captained the Pirates DDC team in the PSL Reserve in 2024. Mbokazi made his Orlando Pirates senior debut on 5 March 2025 in a 1–0 win over Chippa United. He won his first man of the match award with the Orlando Pirates against the Mamelodi Sundowns on 16 March 2025.
After Nkosinathi Sibisi went off injured in the first game of the 2025–26 South African Premiership, Mbokazi quickly settled in as captain and became the youngest captain for the Orlando Pirates since Mbulelo Mabizela in the 2002–03 season. He was later made vice-captain behind Sibisi and Thapelo Xoki for the 2025–26 season.
Mbokazi won his first trophy with Orlando Pirates after they defeated Stellenbosch in the final to win the 2025 MTN 8. He made his continental debut in the 2025–26 CAF Champions League when he captained the Orlando Pirates in a 3–0 win against Lioli from Lesotho. During the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup, he scored the winner in the round of 16 match against Siwelele to send the Orlando Pirates into the quarterfinals. He later won the October 2025 goal of month for his strike. In his final match as a player for the Orlando Pirates he captained the side in their victorious final of the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup against the Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 6 December 2025, winning his second trophy with the club. He was later awarded the Carling Knockout player of the tournament for his performances.
He was nominated for the young player of the year award at the 2025 CAF awards.
Chicago Fire In December 2025, he was signed to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire FC with the deal running until 2029 with a club option for the 2029-30 season. He was included in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game but was ruled out with a thigh injury.
International career Mbokazi was selected for 2024 COSAFA U-20 Cup with the South Africa national under-20 soccer team that won the tournament and qualified for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. He played all matches in the tournament and scored the fifth goal in a 5-0 win over Malawi.
During his first professional season, Mbokazi established himself as a starting centre-back for Orlando Pirates. His increased involvement with the club affected his participation at youth level, as he was left out of South Africa's squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which the team won.
Mbokazi's strong development at Orlando Pirates did not go unnoticed, as he quickly earned his first call-up to the senior national team. He became part of South Africa's senior squad less than three months after making his first-team debut with Pirates. He was selected for South Africa's friendly matches against Tanzania and Mozambique, making his senior international debut in a 2–0 victory over Mozambique in May 2025. He was called up again for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in September 2025. He played both games and ultimately had a man of the match performance in the 1-all draw against Nigeria.
On 1 December 2025, Mbokazi was called up to the South Africa squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He scored his maiden international goal in a 2–1 loss to Panama on 31 March 2026. He was also included in South Africa's preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and was ultimately included in the final 23 man squad. He played in the starting line-up of all four of South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup games.
International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 31 March 2026 Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa 1–1 1–2 Friendly
Honours South Africa
COSAFA U-20 Challenge Cup: 2024 Orlando Pirates
MTN 8: 2025 Carling Black Label Cup: 2025 Betway Premiership: 2025–26
Individual 2025 Carling Knockout Cup: player of the tournament MLS All-Star: 2026
References