Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s MLS move could threaten his World Cup spot
Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana starlet Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been linked with a move to the MLS.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Mbekezeli Mbokazi is reportedly set to complete a move from Orlando Pirates to Major League Soccer in the United States, and one might argue that it is not one that he needs right now, especially with a World Cup on the horizon.
On the surface, a move to America looks good for Mbokazi. He’s going to be playing in a more competitive league than the Betway Premiership, against some big names, so it should be good for his development.
Mbokazi has built his reputation on composure, intelligent positioning, and reading the game early. He is calm under pressure, commands the back line, and rarely makes rash challenges – traits that have made him one of the most reliable young defenders in the PSL.
Those strengths could translate well to MLS, where quick transitions and aggressive pressing demand defenders who can stay composed and make fast decisions. But MLS also traps centre-backs in long, chaotic defensive sequences far more often than the PSL does, and that could expose an area where Mbokazi is still developing: dealing with sustained physical pressure and high-tempo attacks.
However, with the 2026 World Cup just months away, he could be jeopardising his place in the Bafana Bafana set-up. It is well-documented that Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is not a fan of MLS, and you can look at what happened to the national team careers of Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Cassius Mailula, for example.
Both Hlongwane and Mailula were regular fixtures for Bafana Bafana when they were playing their football locally, and were seen as bright prospects for the future. However, once they moved to America, they were overlooked. Mailula’s career has since stalled, while Hlongwane continues to impress. But despite his good form for Minnesota United, he continues to be snubbed by Broos.
Then there’s 21-year-old former Stellenbosch FC defender Olwethu Makhanya, who plays for Philadelphia Union. Makhanya was ever-present as his team – coached by ex-Kaizer Chiefs star Bradley Carnell – won the Supporters Shield for finishing first during the 2025 MLS season.
Like Mbokazi, Makhanya is a modern, ball-playing centre-back whose greatest strengths lie in his composure, reading of the game, and ability to progress play from the back. He is confident in possession and comfortable carrying the ball into midfield. Defensively, he excels in positioning and timing his tackles.
Despite his attributes, which make him one of the most exciting young South African defenders, he has not received a single call-up from Broos.
For Mbokazi, this move represents both an extraordinary opportunity and a genuine risk. It could either elevate him into a more complete, battle-hardened defender ahead of the World Cup, or place him on the wrong side of Broos’ selection preferences. Ultimately, the decision will test not only his talent but his resilience – and if he can thrive despite the odds, he may end up changing the narrative for South Africans in MLS rather than becoming another cautionary tale.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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