The transfer value of Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has soared after his fine performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbokazi, 20, was the youngest player in Hugo Broos’ squad but also one of the top performers as Bafana reached the knockout stages for the first time.
He featured for the full 90 minutes in all four matches, as Bafana lost 2-0 to Mexico, drew 1-1 with Czechia, beat South Korea 1-0 before losing 1-0 to Canada in the Round of 32.
The former Orlando Pirates centre-back received widespread laurels for his performances and was ranked in 10th among the best U23 in his position, with his national teammate Ime Okon ranked in fourth.
According to a new list released by the International Centre for Sports Studies, Mbokazi is the highest-valued player of his club Chicago Fire and now valued at €16-€18 million.
Converted into Rand that figures comes to around R338 million, which is a massive increase on the €2.5 million (R46 million) fee Chicago are understood to have paid to Pirates.
Mbokazi has also been voted into the Major League Soccer All Star team, and will feature in the All Star match on 29 July.
Interest in the defender has increased, with his agent Basia Michaels telling this publication “a number of scouts” have reached out but nothing is concrete as yet.
