The setback has ended Mbokazi’s MLS season, delayed a potential European transfer and ruled him out of Bafana Bafana’s upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Clubs in Italy were among those monitoring the Chicago Fire defender, but the transfer cannot happen until he fully recovers.
MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI TO UNDERGO SURGERY
Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport‘s Mazola Molefe, Basia Michaels of QT Sport confirmed that the injury has halted all transfer plans.
“Any transfer for Mbokazi would require him to successfully complete a medical, and the current situation makes that impossible because of the severity of his injury. Unfortunately, any plans to transfer the player will have to be put on hold,” said Michaels.
She also confirmed that Mbokazi will head to Finland for surgery.
“We’ve been working over the past week to determine the best course of action for his recovery. He will now head to Finland to work with a specialist and have the operation.
“There remains interest in his services, but at the moment that’s something we simply cannot explore because of the current setback,” she added.
Despite the injury, European clubs remain interested in the defender. However, any move must wait until he returns to full fitness.
BAFANA BAFANA SUFFER MAJOR BLOW
The injury is also a major setback for Bafana Bafana. Mbokazi is expected to miss South Africa’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches in September, October and November.
His absence leaves the national team’s incoming head coach without one of the country’s most promising young defenders. For now, Mbokazi will focus on surgery and rehabilitation before revisiting his ambitions of securing a move to Europe.
WHO SHOULD REPLACE HIM IN THE BAFANA BAFANA TEAM?
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