Why South Africans are crossing the Atlantic to chase big bucks in the MLS
· The South African
With Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana coaching confirmation taking centre stage this week, attention has now fallen on the transfer moves of some local stars.
Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane are the latest South African stars to cross the Atlantic to Major League Soccer (MLS).
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The American league has become a career pathway in recent years, instead of a retirement destination for older stars.
Here are the latest updates on South African players making the MLS their home.
Dithejane and Mbokazi heat up with Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire is currently home to two of South Africa’s brightest talents.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi arrived in Illinois from Orlando Pirates in December 2025 under an Under-22 Initiative roster deal.
The Bafana Bafana defender is under contract with the MLS franchise until 2029, with the option to extend for another year.
Mbokazi was joined by Puso Dithejane in January 2026, on the same Under-22 Initiative deal.
The winger, who went through the Kaizer Chiefs academy structure, scored his first MLS goal against Inter Miami in July.
He was also named the team’s Player of the Month for July-August.
During a virtual press conference in February 2026, Chicago Fire coach Greg Berhalter mentioned signing both South Africans together as a deliberate decision.
“Well, I think there’s two things. The first thing is that we want to bring talented players who can help the squad into this club. The second thing is we think it’s beneficial for them to have each other and to work in pairs.”
Other South Africans plying their trade in MLS
Mbokazi and Dithejane are far from the only South African stars who’ve chosen the US as their next career step.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane joined Minnesota United in 2022, also as a Under-22 player.
According to his club profile, the defender has made more than 150 appearances and is among its top goal-scorers.
Olwethu Makhanya was a core member of Philadelphia Union that claimed the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2025.
His efforts earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up for the 2026 World Cup, under then-coach Hugo Broos.
Makhanya joined Scottish Premiership club Rangers on a four-year deal this year, according to the club website.
Similarly, midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng made a name for himself at FC Dallas after being selected in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
He was loaned to Mamelodi Sundowns and represented both clubs before making his deal permanent this season.
Foster and the Houston Dynamo rumours
Another Bafana Bafana big name could be set to join this group.
Lyle Foster is reportedly set to depart Burnley FC on a loan deal to the US.
The Athletic, citing its sources, has reported that the South African striker would be joining Houston Dynamo in MLS.
Interest in Foster boomed after Burnley were relegated last season, as reported by the English Premier League website.
The reported transfer could carry a massive R113 million price tag.
This amount underlines why the appeal of MLS is as much financial as it is competitive.
South African stars making the move are cashing in big time.
Coupled with the league’s top infrastructure and growing reputation, the trend is showing no signs of slowing down.
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