MLS MILLIONS! Mbokazi on R10.8m as SA stars cash in abroad

The Major League Soccer Players Association have released their latest salary guide, revealing the earnings of several South African stars currently playing in the United States, including Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane at Chicago Fire FC.

Mbokazi and Dithejane joined the MLS side earlier this year, although, TLB, as Mbokazi is affectionately known, had already signed for the club in November 2025 before the duo were officially unveiled in January.

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Other South Africans currently plying their trade in the MLS include Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United FC and Olwethu Makhanya, who plays for Philadelphia Union.

According to the MLSPA figures, former Orlando Pirates defender Mbokazi earns $655,620 (approximately R10.8 million) per year, which works out to around $54,635 (roughly R900,000) per month.

Meanwhile, Dithejane, regarded as one of Mzansi's rising talents after spells with TS Galaxy and Kaizer Chiefs, pockets $283,252 (about R4.6 million) annually, translating to nearly $23,604 (around R383,000) per month.

Moreover, former Maritzburg United star Hlongwane is amongst the better-paid SA stars in the league, earning at least $1,142,500 (approximately R18.8 million) a year, or around $95,208 (roughly R1.57 million) monthly.

In addition, former Stellenbosch FC defender Makhanya takes home $338,875 (around R5.6 million) annually, which is approximately $28,240 (about R467,000) per month.

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The figures once again highlight how lucrative a move to the MLS has become for South African footballers, with the league continuing to provide strong financial rewards alongside valuable international exposure.