Former Pirates defender Gets R50m Contract
While former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s move to the USA has divided opinion, there is no disputing the financial success the young player has secured.
The 20-year-old completed a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire FC in January, signing a lucrative four-year deal reportedly worth about R50 million.
The switch comes after he made his first-team debut during the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League season.
According to reports, Mbokazi earns between R1.3 million and R1.5 million per month.
That would put his annual earnings at roughly R16 million to R18 million.
By comparison, Mamelodi Sundowns captain and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is widely believed to be among the PSL’s top earners, reportedly takes home upwards of R500,000 a month.
Mbokazi’s contract in the USA runs until 2029, with an option to extend for a further season.
Among those critical of the move was Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who took aim at the player’s agent, Basia Michaels.
“What is he going to do in Chicago? They are not even a top team in America. I don’t think it is a good choice,” he said at a press conference.
