Orlando Pirates are set to lose Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire in the MLS but will he be followed?
Pirates will not finish the season with the services of Mbokazi and that might be the same for another star.
Mbokazi already set to leave
Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has been one of Pirates’ key sources of goals over the past two seasons. Having finished in the top three in the league goal scoring charts in those campaigns, he was expected to fire. This time around, however, he started the season on the sidelines as new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou preferred other options. In recent weeks, the 29-year-old has struggled to even make the bench.
Another suspicious sign was Yanela Mbuthuma being preferred over Mabasa when Pirates needed a goal against Saint Eloi Lupopo. The former came on and delivered the goal but missed the crucial penalty. Many would’ve expected the experienced star to emerge first from the bench in such a match scenario. After that, rumours started to surface about the lack of game time being linked to his contract situation.
Mabasa next out the Pirates door?
Mabasa is in his last year of contract at Pirates and is yet to agree to a new deal at the club. That means he will be eligible to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice in the January transfer window. It is rumoured that top Pirates officials are worried about the situation and want him to commit before getting game time.
A source close to Mabasa’s contract situation at Pirates confirmed its status as per Soccer-Laduma.
“He (Mabasa) is coming to the end of his contract at Orlando Pirates, and this is his last season, it is ending in June next year, which means he can sign a pre-contract in January 2026. He has not extended at Pirates yet.” Confirmed the source.
Thoughts Buccaneers?
Pirates fans, how would you feel about possibly losing both Mbokazi and Mabasa in January? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.