Exclusive: Mbokazi set for Finland surgery, European move on hold

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Mbokazi's agent, Basia Michaels of QT Sport, confirmed that the Bafana Bafana defender will not be leaving the MLS during the current transfer window despite attracting strong interest from Europe, with clubs in Italy understood to have been among his admirers.

The setback follows confirmation from Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter that the 20-year-old requires surgery after suffering a thigh tear, ending his 2026 campaign.

Mbokazi enhanced his growing reputation with a string of outstanding performances for South Africa at the recent FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, prompting interest from several overseas clubs. A transfer had appeared increasingly likely either during the current window or in January. 

However, Michaels said the injury has effectively ended any immediate transfer prospects.

"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," she said. 

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She also confirmed that Mbokazi will travel to Finland in the coming days to undergo surgery with a specialist.

"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."

Chicago Fire have played 18 matches this season with Mbokazi featuring in 12 of them but will now complete the remainder of the campaign without one of their key central defenders in the MLS. 

The injury is also a significant setback for Bafana and the national team's incoming head coach, with Mbokazi now expected to miss South Africa's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures in September, October and November. 

South Africa will be aiming to qualify for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under Hugo Broos’ successor.