Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Sep 19, 2005 (21)
Left
5'10"
198 lb
Suspended Wednesday
Mbokazi registered seven clearances in Saturday's 3-2 win versus Atlanta United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 81st minute and is set for one match suspension.
Analysis: Mbokazi will serve his first suspension of the season after picking up his fifth yellow card. Since returning from a thigh injury, he has started all six MLS matches, recording 10 tackles, 40 clearances and four blocks. It has been a strong return for the defender after suffering the injury while on international duty with South Africa. Jack Elliott is the most likely candidate to replace him at center back for Wednesday's clash with Orlando City.
Starts against Charlotte
Mbokazi (thigh) is in the starting lineup in Saturday's trip to Charlotte.
Analysis: Mbokazi could give Chicago an immediate defensive boost following his return to group training earlier this week. The center-back has not played since the World Cup, and it's still unclear if he's ready for a full-match performance. He should be reliable as a source of accurate passes, clearances and tackles while he shares defensive responsibilities with Jack Elliott.
Trains with group Tuesday
Mbokazi (thigh) was with the group at Tuesday's training session, Joe Chatz reports.
Analysis: Mbokazi was initially ruled out for the remainder of the season by coach Gregg Berhalter after tearing his thigh in training in late July and undergoing surgery. His return to partial training on Sept. 4 was followed by group work Tuesday, putting him ahead of the recovery schedule outlined in August. The South Africa international remains without a competitive appearance since the World Cup, so his reintegration could be gradual, though a return before the end of the campaign now appears realistic.
Facing months on sidelines
Mbokazi (thigh) tore his thigh in training and will be out for months, according to coach Gregg Berhalter, per Tim Hotze.
Analysis: Mbokazi already missed the midweek loss to Inter Miami and Saturday's match against New York City FC with the lower body issue before this update confirmed the severity. Joel Waterman is expected to continue in the starting lineup as his replacement during the extended absence. Mbokazi is expected to begin a lengthy recovery process after starring for South Africa at the 2026 World Cup.
Ruled out once again
Mbokazi (lower body) is out for Saturday's game against New York City FC, according to Joe Chatz of OnTap Sports.
Analysis: Mbokazi didn't play in the 3-2 loss to Inter Miami in midweek, and the center-back, who starred for South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is sidelined once again. With Mbokazi out, Joel Waterman should continue in the XI as his replacement.
Doubtful with lower body issue
Mbokazi is questionable for Wednesday's clash with Inter Miami while he recovers from a lower body injury, according to the league.
Analysis: Mbokazi had been a consistent center-back for his club before making four appearances for South Africa at the World Cup, but it seems like he got hurt at some point. If he can play, the Fire add another defensive option, although his final status will be a late decision to face Miami.
Records 12 clearances in win
Mbokazi had one tackle (one won), 12 clearances and two interceptions in Wednesday's 1-0 win against South Korea.
Analysis: Mbokazi delivered the most dominant defensive performance of the match in Wednesday's 1-0 win over South Korea, registering 12 clearances, two interceptions and one tackle across his 90 minutes as the left center-back in South Africa's back four, consistently dealing with South Korea's aerial threat and clearing danger from his penalty area in a match where the quality of his defensive work was central to preserving the clean sheet that sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. The center-back completed 24 passes and won two aerial duels as one of the defensive pillars that frustrated Oh Hyun-Gyu and Hwang Hee-Chan throughout, with his 12 clearances the most of any player on the pitch from either side. His aerial dominance, defensive authority and reading of the game make him South Africa's most physically commanding defensive option heading into the round of 32 against Canada, where his ability to deal with aerial threats and organize the backline will be essential to any upset his side can produce.
Three shots and 10 clearances
Mbokazi had three shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Czech Republic. He also added 10 clearances.
Analysis: Mbokazi was one of the top performers for the Bafana Bafana and had an impressive outing, tallying a team-high three shots and adding 10 clearances, another team-high mark. Mbokazi has arguably been a standout performer for South Africa and should remain a key cog at the back in their group-stage finale against South Korea on Wednesday, June 24.
Four clearances in loss
Mbokazi had one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 defeat against Mexico. He also added four clearances and two tackles
Analysis: Mbokazi tried to score with a long-range shot that didn't unsettle Jose Rangel, and in the end, that was one of two shots on target the African side had throughout the contest. However, he should earn most of his fantasy upside through defensive stats as long as he stays in the XI.
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