How Mbekelezi Mbokazi Might Lose His Place in Bafana Bafana Squad if He Moves to MLS

• Mbekelezi Mbokazi has been told how he could lose his place in Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana's squad if he moves to the Major League Soccer
• The Orlando Pirates youngster is reportedly poised to complete a transfer move to MLS outfit Chicago Fire FC
• A sports journalist in a chat with Briefly News explained how Mbokazi could be affected by the move, while also naming those who have once been affected by such

Orlando Pirates defender Mbekelezi Mbokazi has reportedly been linked with a move away from the Premier Soccer League, and he is said to join a club in Major League Soccer.

Reports have it that the South African international is poised to join Chicago Fire FC in a possible deal worth R52 million.

There have been talks about Mbokazi leaving the South African league for a move overseas, with Hugo Broos claiming he is ready for a move to Europe after his blistering performance for Bafana Bafana against Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers.

Read also

Themba Zwane and two others who should miss out on Bafana Bafana’s final AFCON squad

A sports journalist has suggested that the 20-year-old could be risking losing his place in the national team if he moves to MLS in the January transfer window, and suggested the league he should look forward to joining at the end of the ongoing season.

Mbokazi risks losing Bafana Bafana spot

Sports journalist Moses Mbogo believes Mbokazi might lose his place in the Bafana Bafana squad if he leaves the Premier Soccer League for MLS.

"Moving to MLS is too early in his career and could limit his visibility to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos in getting to see him play every week, especially if he struggles for consistent game time in a new league with different playing styles and competitive dynamics," he said.

"There have been some top South African players who lost their place in the Bafana Bafana squad after moving to Major League Soccer. Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Cassius Mailula suffered such a fate after moving to the MLS, and two players who also had that same issue were Bongokuhle Hlongwane and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom.

"Mbokazi has been an important figure in Bafana Bafana's defence since injury issues to that Kaizer Chiefs defender (Rushwin Dortley) and that strong defender at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Mvala, so Broos can't afford to lose the youngster now."

Read also

AFCON Snubs: 3 Players who should have been in Broos’ prelim Bafana Bafana squad

Mbogo also suggested which league Mbokazi should look forward to joining at the end of the ongoing season.

"Mbokazi should be leaning towards moving to a European league, even if a move to the English Premier League might be too early, but the French Ligue 1 or the Spanish La Liga won't be bad," he added.

"Moving to Europe would improve his all-round game, and that would also be of help for the South African national team."

Pirates legend reacts to Mbokazi's proposed move

Briefly News earlier reported on an Orlando Pirates legend sharing his thoughts on Mbokazi's potential big-money move to MLS.

The South African defender is said to have arrived in the United States of America on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Source: Briefly News