World Cup run carries Bafana stars abroad, with Mofokeng first through the door

Bafana Bafana’s historic FIFA World Cup run has sparked growing transfer interest in Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis.

Mbokazi’s composed performances have put him on the radar of clubs across Europe, while Mofokeng has just complete a move to Belgium.

Mofokeng’s Orlando Pirates teammate Appollis has also enhanced his reputation after an impressive tournament.

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Bafana Bafana had barely touched down in South Africa after their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign before the transfer rumour mill began to gather serious momentum.

South Africa’s run to the knockout stage (round of 32) may have ended in heartbreaking fashion with a stoppage-time defeat to co-hosts Canada, but Hugo Broos’ side returned home having achieved something no previous Bafana team had managed - progressing beyond the group stages of a World Cup.

For several players, that achievement has done more than elevate their status in South African football.

It has placed them firmly on the radar of clubs across Europe and beyond.

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Three names, in particular, have dominated the conversation.

At the forefront is Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Still only 20, turning 21 in September, the central defender’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.

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Less than two years ago, he was regarded as one of Orlando Pirates’ brightest academy prospects.

Today, he is one of the most sought-after young defenders South Africa has produced in years.

His move to Chicago Fire for a reported fee of more than $3 million less than eight months ago was viewed as a significant step in his development. The World Cup has only accelerated that trajectory.

Mbokazi displayed a composure that belied his age throughout the tournament.

Strong in one-on-one duels, dominant in the air and remarkably calm in possession, he rarely looked overawed despite facing some of the world’s best attackers.

His ability to step out of defence and strike long-range efforts, either at goal or diagonal passes, also served as a reminder of the complete package he is becoming.

Chicago have little reason to rush a sale.

Yet European interest has intensified, with reports linking him to clubs across England, Spain, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

Recognition has already followed.

Mbokazi was named in the Major League Soccer’s (MLS) All-Star First XI, becoming one of only five World Cup participants selected through a combined vote of supporters, players and media.

The MLS is the premier league of the US.

If Mbokazi is the long-term defensive investment, then Mofokeng appears set to become South Africa’s first attacking export from the squad.

The 21-year-old has long been viewed as one of the country’s brightest talents, but his performances on football’s biggest stage reinforced why so many clubs have tracked his progress over the past two seasons.

Fearless in possession, blessed with close control and capable of turning defenders inside out, Mofokeng brought imagination whenever he was introduced by Broos.

His next destination was confirmed on Wednesday by his soon-to-be-former club, Orlando Pirates.

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READ | Pirates confirm Bafana ace Mofokeng’s transfer deal with Belgian giants

Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise will complete the signing after the youngster travelled to Belgium less than 72 hours after Bafana’s World Cup exit.

Pirates revealed that they have accepted the tabled deal, which is subject to medical and personal terms.

It appears that Mofokeng is already in Belgium to finalise the remaining details of his move.

The groundwork for the transfer had been laid well before the tournament, with his performances for Pirates only reinforcing the club’s decision.

Both parties made the joint decision to hold off on any public announcement until after the tournament, wanting Mofokeng to focus fully on the World Cup with Bafana Bafana without the distraction of transfer talk.

Orlando Pirates’ statement

“(It was also) to allow the national team’s historic run to take centre stage,” Pirates said in a statement on Wednesday.

Union have become one of Belgium’s leading developers of talent in recent years, helping launch the careers of players such as Victor Boniface, Deniz Undav, Mohamed Amoura and former Bafana star Percy Tau.

For Mofokeng, the move represents an opportunity to test himself in Europe while joining a club with a proven pathway for emerging talent.

Then there is Oswin Appollis, whose stock has quietly continued to rise.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season at Pirates after arriving from Polokwane City, where he had already established himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s most exciting attacking players.

Even before his move to Soweto, clubs had begun circling, but Rise and Shine resisted approaches until Pirates tabled an offer too good to ignore.

Appollis has since shown exactly why he is so highly rated.

Comfortable on either wing, capable of drifting centrally and equally willing to track back defensively, he has become one of Broos’ most trusted attacking outlets.

READ | Pirates confirm Bafana ace Mofokeng’s transfer deal with Belgian giants

His work rate often goes unnoticed, but his ability to carry the ball over long distances and isolate defenders has made him one of Bafana’s most consistent performers.

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With Mofokeng heading to Europe, Pirates would be reluctant to lose another influential attacker in the same transfer window.

Interest from clubs in North Africa and Europe has grown steadily, but any potential suitor is likely to face a significant asking price for a player entering the prime years of his career.

Bafana’s World Cup journey may have ended in Los Angeles, but for Mbokazi, Mofokeng and Appollis, the tournament may prove to be remembered as the moment their careers reached another level.

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