Puso Dithejane explained on why he joined the MLS outfits Chicago Fire
Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been rated as Chicago Fire’s highest-valued player, with a new market value of *€16-€18 million* according to the latest list released by the *International Centre for Sports Studies [CIES]*.
The 20-year-old’s stock has skyrocketed following a standout *FIFA World Cup campaign with South Africa*, where he played *all four of Bafana’s matches* against Mexico, Czech Republic, South Korea and Canada.
World Cup and MLS form drive value
Mbokazi’s performances on the global stage caught the eye, and he has carried that momentum into Major League Soccer.
His consistency for Chicago Fire has now seen him recognised as the club’s most valuable asset by CIES.
The young defender has also been rewarded individually in the US, after being *voted into the Major League Soccer All-Star team*. He will *feature in the MLS All-Star match on 29 July*.
Most valuable South African player
With his updated valuation, *Mbokazi is now the most valuable South African player in the world*.
He overtakes *Lyle Foster*, who plays for Burnley in the English Premier League and is currently valued at *$10 million*.
At just 20, Mbokazi’s rise represents a massive boost for South African football, with European clubs already monitoring his progress in MLS.