By Celani Sikhakhane
- Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi left rural Big Five Hlabisa for Orlando Pirates, then Chicago Fire FC in a reported R51-million deal signed in December 2025.
- Big Five Hlabisa municipality celebrated Youth Month by honouring Mbokazi as a role model, with young locals competing in sport and receiving business equipment.
Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi grew up in the deep rural villages of Big Five Hlabisa, a municipality in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal where unemployment is high and opportunities are scarce.
He is 20 years old and is starting for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His former community did not let that pass without marking it.
Big Five Hlabisa municipality held its Youth Month celebration at Mganwini village this past weekend, with Mbokazi’s name at the centre of it. Young people ran short and long distance races, competed across different sports codes, and were handed trophies, cash prizes and equipment to start or grow small businesses.
Mayor Comfort Khumalo told the crowd to look at what Mbokazi had built from the same villages they were standing in.
“Look at one of our own, TLB Mbokazi, who is young and playing for an international team,” Khumalo said.
“We want to have another Mbokazi from this youth because we are a capable village in KwaZulu-Natal to produce international stars.”
Mbokazi moved from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC in December 2025. Orlando Pirates confirmed the transfer. The reported fee was $3-million, approximately R51-million to R52-million, a record for a young South African player moving directly to the United States.
He made the official Bafana Bafana roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has logged heavy minutes as a starting defender, drawing praise for his performances and leadership on the global stage.
For the young people at Mganwini, that is not an abstract success story. Thabiso Mdletshe, who took part in the soccer competition on the day, said watching Mbokazi has changed how he thinks about what is possible.
“Mbokazi has been our role model and we are proud to have someone that we know appearing on TV as a star of our time,” Mdletshe said.
“I believe that one day I will be playing for bigger soccer teams in this country and abroad.”
Pictured above: Big Five Hlabisa Deputy Mayor Hlengiwe Nkosi, Mayor Comfort Khumalo and young people at the Youth Month celebration in Mganwini village.
Image source: Supplied
