Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Bafana Bafana Defender Earns Recognition Among Major League Soccer’s Best

Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been ranked fourth in the Major League Soccer's 22 Under 22 class of 2026, cementing his status as one of the standout young players in the competition.

The MLS released its annual list on Tuesday, recognising the most promising players aged 22 and under across the league. Mbokazi, who joined Chicago Fire FC this season, is the highest-ranked defender on the list and the only South African to feature among the top five.

**Mbokazi Leads Class in International Caps**

Chicago Fire confirmed Mbokazi's inclusion in a media statement, noting that this marks the fifth time a Fire player has finished in the top five of the prestigious ranking.

"The 2026 22 Under 22 class highlights the next generation of MLS talent, with 16 clubs represented and an average player age of approximately 20 years old," the club stated.

The class includes 12 players with senior national team experience, combining for 39 international appearances. Mbokazi leads that group outright, having earned 15 senior caps, among them four appearances at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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In his debut MLS campaign, the 21-year-old has made 19 appearances for Chicago Fire across all competitions, starting 17 of those matches.

**Return From Injury Signals Strong Form**

Mbokazi's season was disrupted by an injury sustained after the World Cup, sidelining him for a period. He returned to action with an 80-minute outing in Chicago's 1-0 win over Charlotte FC on Saturday, 26 September, and has since completed four consecutive 90-minute matches.

Beyond the 22 Under 22 recognition, Mbokazi also holds the distinction of being the highest-valued player in the MLS, according to the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES).

Source: Briefly News