Mbokazi Earns Top 5 Spot In MLS

Bafana Bafana and Chicago Fire centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been named one of the best youngsters in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

“TLB” has been named as the fourth-best U22 player as voted for by an expert panel of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, MLS on Apple TV talent, and selected media.

Read: Mbokazi & Dithejane Clinch MLS Play-Off Spot, Maart Shines In Austria

The list is made up of 22 players who are under the age of 22.

“South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi leads the class with 15 senior caps, including four appearances at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” noted the MLS in the press release.

“Topping the 2026 list is Philadelphia Union and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who, at 17 years and 22 days old, becomes the youngest player ever to earn the No. 1 ranking, surpassing Alphonso Davies’ previous record of 17 years and 355 days (2018).”

In his first season with Chicago Fire, Mbokazi has made 19 appearances (17 starts) in 2026 across all competitions, according to the club.

Meanwhile, Mbokazi’s teammate and compatriot Puso Dithejane was not eligible, as he’s already 22, since he was born on 24 July 2004.

As per the MLS: “To be eligible for voting, players had to remain 21 or younger before Decision Day on November 7, 2026, and therefore must have been born after November 8, 2004.”

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