Former USA Coach Makes Big Prediction About South Africa’s PSL Becoming a Major MLS Talent Pipeline
- A former USA boss believes the PSL could become a regular source of MLS talent as American clubs continue to look further afield
- South African football is attracting growing attention in the United States, with several players already making their mark in the MLS
- The latest prediction comes from a coach with first-hand experience of the American game and a close look at South African talent
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
Former USA head coach Gregg Berhalter believes South Africa’s PSL could become a major talent pipeline for Major League Soccer (MLS), with more American clubs expected to look towards the local game.
Berhalter, now Chicago Fire’s director of football and head coach, made the prediction while discussing the club’s recruitment of South Africans Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane.
“I think South Africa is going to become a real pipeline for MLS, and I don’t think that’s a stretch,” Berhalter said in comments published by SCOUTED.
The prediction comes from someone with extensive experience in the American game. Berhalter previously coached the USA at the 2022 FIFA World Cup before taking charge of Chicago Fire.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Why the PSL is attracting MLS clubs
Berhalter believes the attraction goes beyond individual players.
“The PSL has genuine quality,” he said, pointing specifically to the availability of player data in South Africa.
That point is backed by a SkillCorner analysis published on 31 August 2026. Its data ranked the PSL among only three leagues globally with an S-tier rating for explosiveness.
The analysis also found the PSL ranked first for high accelerations and decelerations.
South Africa’s growing MLS connection
Mbokazi joined Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates in December 2025, while Dithejane arrived from TS Galaxy in January 2026.
As more MLS clubs become familiar with the PSL market, Berhalter expects that pathway to expand.
“I expect you’ll continue to see more South African players making the move,” he said.
For South African football, his prediction matters because it suggests the USA could become a regular destination for PSL talent, rather than an occasional one.
Source: Getty Images
Puso Dithejane beats Lewandowski to Chicago Fire award
Briefly News previously reported that Puso Dithejane had beaten Robert Lewandowski to a major Chicago Fire award after being named the club’s Player of the Month for July and August.
The South African winger recorded four goals and three assists during the period, underlining his growing influence.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
