Mbokazi blow for Bafana after being ruled out for rest of MLS season

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss the remainder of the MLS season after suffering a thigh tear, raising concerns ahead of South Africa’s upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign. Picture: YURI CORTEZ / AFP Bafana BafanadefenderMbekezeli Mbokaziwill miss the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season after suffering a thigh tear, Chicago Fire FC head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed. The injury comes as a setback forSouth Africa, with the 20-year-old having established himself as one of the national team’s most important defenders during their historic FIFA World Cup campaign.

Mbokazi played every minute as Bafana reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, delivering a series of mature performances that enhanced his growing reputation. The former Orlando Pirates academy graduate sustained the injury shortly after returning to club duty following the tournament. Berhalter confirmed the extent of the setback ahead of Chicago Fire’s Leagues Cup encounter against Necaxa, revealing that Mbokazi would not feature again this season. “Mbo being out for the year is a tough one,” Berhalter told Apple TV.