Mbokazi Defends MLS Move Amid Criticism

Young star responds to national team coach's disparaging remarks about his transfer to Chicago Fire

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mbokazi, the 20-year-old South African rising football star, has defended his decision to join Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire, amid strong criticism from national team coach Hugo Broos and media pundits. Broos labeled the move as 'ill-advised' and disparaged the MLS club, but Mbokazi emphasized the need for patience in his career development and expressed confidence in his future progress. Mbokazi's agent, Basia Michaels, also addressed Broos' comments, suggesting they were 'sexist' in tone. The heated exchange has raised questions about how the ongoing debate will evolve as Mbokazi prepares to make his MLS debut.

Why it matters

Mbokazi's transfer to the MLS has sparked a high-profile debate about the career paths of young African footballers. The criticism from Broos, the national team coach, highlights the pressure and expectations placed on promising talents, while Mbokazi's response underscores the need for players to have autonomy in making decisions about their development. This exchange sheds light on the complex dynamics between players, coaches, agents, and the media in the world of professional football.

The details

Mbokazi, who impressed with Orlando Pirates and the Bafana Bafana national team, surprised many by choosing to join the Chicago Fire in MLS rather than pursuing a move to Europe. This decision drew significant criticism from football pundits and media outlets, as well as harsh remarks from national team coach Hugo Broos, who labeled the transfer 'ill-advised' and disparaged the MLS club as 'not even a Cup team.' Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels, have since responded to the criticism, with Mbokazi emphasizing the need for patience in his career development and expressing confidence in his future progress. Michaels, meanwhile, suggested that Broos' comments had 'sexist' undertones and criticized the national coach for his public skepticism about the MLS.

  • Mbokazi transferred to the Chicago Fire in December 2025.
  • Mbokazi is set to make his MLS debut on February 22, 2026 as Chicago Fire begins their league campaign against Houston Dynamo.

The players

Mbokazi

A 20-year-old South African rising football star who recently transferred from Orlando Pirates to the Chicago Fire in MLS.

Hugo Broos

The head coach of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, who has been critical of Mbokazi's move to the MLS.

Basia Michaels

Mbokazi's agent, who has publicly addressed the criticism from Hugo Broos and defended her client's decision to join the Chicago Fire.

Greg Berhalter

The head coach of the Chicago Fire, who has praised Mbokazi's performance during pre-season preparations.

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What they’re saying

“I think it becomes difficult when you hear how people speak where I come from,”

— Mbokazi (iDiski Times)

“But what people must learn or know is that it's not that easy to go to highest level than where I am now. What I can say is, I'm still young and I'm growing. Everything will happen when the time is right.”

— Mbokazi (iDiski Times)

“Yes, people wish us well but we won't rush to get, we need to start somewhere first.”

— Mbokazi (iDiski Times)

“For me, I can tell you that there's no question about the fact that it was sexist. I'm not going to speak on behalf of Mbokazi, that he can do on his own,”

— Basia Michaels, Mbokazi's agent (SABC Sport)

“Hugo Broos can make his decisions the way he wants to. It doesn't matter how well Mbokazi plays in the next four months because Broos has made his dislike for the league known, which I think is very sad,”

— Basia Michaels, Mbokazi's agent (SABC Sport)

What’s next

Hugo Broos, the national team coach, has some time before the next Bafana Bafana fixtures in late March to respond or reflect on the statements made by Mbokazi and Basia Michaels. The ongoing debate will likely continue to evolve as Mbokazi prepares to make his MLS debut on February 22.

The takeaway

Mbokazi's transfer to the MLS has sparked a high-profile debate about the career paths of young African footballers, highlighting the complex dynamics between players, coaches, agents, and the media. Mbokazi's response underscores the need for players to have autonomy in making decisions about their development, while the criticism from Broos sheds light on the pressure and expectations placed on promising talents.