According to the MLS Players’ Association, former Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi takes home $655,000 (approximately R10.8 million) per year, a surprisingly modest figure for a player of his pedigree. The 20-year-old defender has made ten appearances in twelve possible matches for Chicago Fire this term, establishing himself as a regular starter in the American top flight. However, Mbokazi is not the highest-earning South African in the league. That distinction belongs to Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, whose guaranteed annual salary sits at $1.14 million (about R18.8 million). The 25-year-old Hlongwane featured in a March friendly against Panama, though his last competitive appearance for Bafana Bafana came in November 2023 during World Cup qualifying. Surely Mbokazi’s figure will rise significantly when he signs his next deal.
Meanwhile, back in South Africa, Orlando Pirates are closing in on a long-awaited league crown. After Sundowns suffered a 3-2 defeat at TS Galaxy on Wednesday, the Buccaneers now need just four more points from their remaining fixtures to secure their first Betway Premiership title since 2012. Even three points might be enough, provided Pirates do not lose by more than seven goals in their other fixture. Their current goal difference stands at a commanding plus-44, comfortably ahead of Sundowns’ plus-36, offering a significant safety net.
Pirates will not be entertaining the idea of a heavy defeat, however; all three of their league losses this term have come by a single goal. The Sea Robbers now turn their attention to a home clash with Durban City, where a victory would edge them one step closer to ending a 14-year drought and finally reclaiming the domestic throne.