Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s agent lifts lid on early Chicago Fire negotiations

After both clubs confirmed that the Bafana Bafana centre-back will join the MLS outfit early next year, Basia Michaels shed light on how the negotiations played out behind the scenes.

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Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with host Andile Ncube, Michaels described the R51-million deal as a process Pirates were determined to complete from the outset.

"This is something that has been in the works for a while, even before our transfer window closed - the 21st of September. It was definitely not a transaction that could have happened that time, I think there was still so much to get through. This was by no means an easy deal. I remember thinking I might not get this done. But credit to Mpumi Khoza, he said I can't fault this kid he gave his all here and I won't stand in his way. It was not one of those where you say here's a deal and they say no we are not entertaining deals," said Michaels.

Michaels also addressed questions over why Pirates did not wait for an offer from Europe before jumping to move Mbokazi to the USA.

"I get it. But once again I will back to that point to say I don't think there's one of handling this. I will give an example; I had a scout from Europe he offered me a €150 000 for Mbokazi and the €150 000 it was the end of our conversation. I unfortunately had the same interaction when I was dealing with Khanyisa, this from Europeans saying that they can't pay more for an African player. I got a lot of inquiries from other agents telling me that they want my player and I should just sign, I was like hold on, I can't just sign," added Michaels.

Asked if the player is aware he is risking his Bafana future by moving to the MLS giving coach Hugo Broos’ reservations about the league, the agent had this to say.

"We had this chat even before we signed with Mbokazi. I respect coach Hugo's opinion. In my mother's house she makes it very clear that she who pays the piper plays the tune. That is exactly who coach Hugo Broos is - he plays the tune, so we can't be against that. I would be saddened if he excludes Mbokazi because he plays in MLS, I cannot control that and I can't run away from that," she expressed

Michaels urged for positivity around the transfer.