As opportunities in European leagues diminish, young South African soccer players are turning to the US Major League Soccer for career advancement. Recent signings of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane with Chicago Fire highlight this trend, drawing mixed reactions from national coach Hugo Broos and agents.
South Africa's connection to the Major League Soccer dates back to the 1990s, when players like Doctor Khumalo, Shaun Bartlett, and Nkosinathi Nhleko joined the league during its early years. More recently, Bongokuhle Hlongwane has become a standout success, joining Minnesota United in January 2022 and accumulating over 100 appearances, though he has not featured for Bafana Bafana since 2023 under coach Hugo Broos.
Broos has expressed skepticism about the MLS, advocating for European leagues to elevate South African soccer to the level of nations like Morocco and Ivory Coast. In December 2025, he commented on Mbokazi's move: “What is he going to do in Chicago? It’s not even a top team in America. But I know what happened. That little woman who’s his agent [Basia Michaels] and thinks she knows football is doing what many agents are doing. It’s how much they can get.”
Mbokazi, a 20-year-old from Orlando Pirates, and Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy signed with Chicago Fire amid a lack of suitable European offers. Agent Basia Michaels defended the decision, stating, “There’s this hype of, ‘he deserves to play in Europe’. No one is saying he doesn’t deserve to play in Europe. There’s no question… that Mbokazi is a generational talent. But show me the offer [from Europe].” She emphasized the personal stakes, noting Mbokazi's non-privileged background from Hluhluwe and the need to secure family finances and break generational cycles.
Veteran agent Mike Makaab observed a shift in MLS recruitment toward younger players, similar to the Saudi Pro League, potentially paving the way to Europe or ensuring financial stability in a short career. Michaels described the deal as seamless, aside from negotiating the transfer fee and off-field support, despite US immigration challenges.
