Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered a setback after defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a thigh tear.
Chicago Fire FC head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed the injury ahead of the club’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa, revealing that the 20-year-old centre-back will play no further part this season.
The injury comes after a breakthrough year for Mbokazi, who established himself as a key figure in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad during South Africa’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign. The former Orlando Pirates academy product played every minute of the team’s run to the knockout stages, earning widespread praise for his composed defensive performances.
The defender suffered the thigh injury shortly after returning to club action following the World Cup.
His absence is expected to be a significant blow for both Chicago Fire and Bafana Bafana, with his fitness now a concern ahead of South Africa’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
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