Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- The agent of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Basia Michaels says clubs may now have to pay Chicago Fire far more than the US$3-million paid for Mbokazi.
- Michaels says European clubs are interested, but South African players should not be treated as cheap talent.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s price has shot up after his World Cup performances for Bafana Bafana.
His agent, Basia Michaels, says clubs that want the left-footed defender may now have to pay Chicago Fire two to five times more than the US club paid for him last year.
Mbokazi joined the Major League Soccer side for US$3-million, about R49-million.
According to News24, Michaels said Chicago Fire are willing to sell him only to European clubs.
But she said Mbokazi will move only if the football project is right for him.
The 20-year-old has attracted European interest after helping Bafana reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
He is only seven months into a deal that runs until 2029, with an option for one more year.
Michaels said an unnamed Belgian club has now come back for him.
The club had shown interest more than a year ago but did not match Orlando Pirates’ asking price at the time.
Now the same club has asked again about Mbokazi.
“There was a club from Belgium that contacted me again about Mbokazi,” Michaels told News24.
“They were like: ‘We actually did not believe that there was an offer for $3 million.’”
She said Mbokazi’s value has changed quickly.
“Now you have to look at it and pay maybe three to five times more because his valuation has changed in leaps and bounds in eight months,” she said.
Michaels said European clubs are starting to look at South African players differently.
But she said many still want to pay less than what local clubs believe their players are worth.
“Yes and no, they are viewing South African talent differently. There is no question about it,” she said.
“The price tag expectations are still based on what they want it to be as opposed to the investment, the valuations that are placed by the club owners.”
Michaels said this is not only about Mbokazi.
Relebohile Mofokeng moved to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise after Bafana’s World Cup run.
News24 reported that the €3.5-million deal, about R65-million, is a South African transfer record for a player moving from a PSL club to an overseas club.
Michaels said Mofokeng’s deal was agreed before the World Cup.
She said PSL players already carry more value than many outsiders realise.
She also praised Orlando Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza for refusing to let top players leave cheaply.
Michaels said South African clubs should not be treated like clubs in leagues where European teams can buy players for very little money.
“You cannot do that in South Africa,” she said.
Mbokazi’s move to Chicago Fire caused debate when it happened.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos said Europe may have been a better move for the young defender.
But Michaels said the US move gave Mbokazi the exposure they wanted.
“With all due respect to Hugo, who turned around and questioned the move publicly, there is no question about the fact that this move was the right move,” she said.
“The exposure has been good. The level has been great, and his rise has been amazing.”
Michaels said Mbokazi’s next move must still be the right one.
European clubs are knocking, but the deal will only happen if the offer, the club and the long-term plan suit the player.
Pictured above: Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s value has jumped after his World Cup performances for Bafana Bafana.
Image source: Mbekezeli Mbokazi/Instagram
