Mbekezeli Mbokazi opens up on the hardship of growing up in rural KZN as he moves to the US
Mbekezeli Mbokazi recently completed the move from Orlando Pirates to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
Image: Chicago Fire on Facebook
Bafana Bafana’s US-bound defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has opened up about his tough upbringing in rural KwaZulu-Natal, crediting it for instilling the work ethic that has earned him widespread praise.
Mbokazi is currently in the United States after completing a move from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire.
The 20-year-old’s rise over the past year has been impressive. After making his senior debut for Pirates just a year ago, he has gone on to captain the club, earn his stripes on the international stage, and seal a move abroad.
Behind that swift rise is a personal story that Mbokazi says shaped his work ethic. Speaking on BucsCamp, he gave insight into his home life growing up.
“Growing up for me was not easy… and that might be the reason I work as hard as I do,” Mbokazi said on the programme.
“Where I come from is not a great place. So, I decided that the opportunity I am getting, I need to use it to improve the situation back home.
“What drives me most is knowing the state of the house I left behind – I don’t want it to still be like that when I return.”
Mbokazi will not be alone in the United States, with fellow South African Puso Dithejane also joining him at Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter said the club’s decision to sign both players was driven by both footballing and personal considerations.
“There are two things,” Berhalter said. “First, we want to bring talented players into the club who can help the squad.
“Secondly, we think it’s beneficial for them to have each other and to work in pairs.
“It’s going to be a huge transition for both players, and it’s comforting for them to have someone from their home country to help them adapt.”
Mbokazi’s story is one of steady progression driven by necessity rather than comfort. Each step forward – from his Pirates debut to captaining the side and now earning a move abroad – has been shaped by a sense of responsibility that extends beyond football.
Now in the United States, Mbokazi carries that same motivation with him, focused not only on establishing himself at Chicago Fire, but on building a future that changes the reality he left behind.
IOL Sport