MLS salaries revealed: Which Bafana star earns more than Mbokazi?

The latest salary figures for South African players in Major League Soccer (MLS) have been released, revealing a surprising name at the top of the earnings list.

While Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi‘s move to Chicago Fire this season was a high-profile transfer, his salary is significantly lower than that of Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

According to data from the MLS Players Association, Mbokazi, a former Orlando Pirates captain, has a guaranteed annual salary of $655,620 (R10.8 million). However, Hlongwane, a somewhat forgotten figure in the national team setup, commands a guaranteed annual income of $1,142,500 (R18.8 million).

Highest paid South African in MLS

The 25-year-old forward has been a consistent performer for Minnesota United since his transfer from Maritzburg United in January 2022. To date, he has recorded 35 goals and 17 assists in 161 appearances across all competitions.

Despite his club form, Hlongwane’s last call-up for Bafana Bafana was for the March friendlies against Panama, following a two-and-a-half-year absence from the national squad. His recent absence from Minnesota’s matches has been due to special leave for a family emergency.

It remains uncertain whether his performances will be enough to secure a spot in Hugo Broos’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who earns lower than Mbokazi?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula is earning $366,003 (R6 million) annually at Toronto FC, but his time at the club has been challenging. Since joining in 2023, he has made only eight appearances and has had unsuccessful loan spells at Wydad Casablanca in Morocco and Belgium’s Kortrijk FC. With his contract expiring at the end of June, a renewal seems unlikely.

In contrast, former Stellenbosch defender Olwethu Makhanya is enjoying a more stable situation at Philadelphia Union. The 22-year-old, who has become a mainstay in the team’s defence, signed a contract extension last November that runs until 2027. His consistent performances have reportedly attracted interest from European clubs. Makhanya’s guaranteed annual salary is listed at $338,875 (R5.5 million).

Puso Dithejane, who joined Chicago Fire alongside Mbokazi from TS Galaxy, is currently the lowest-earning South African in the league, with a guaranteed salary of $283,252 (R4.6 million). It is important to note that these figures do not include performance-related bonuses, which will likely boost the earnings of regular starters like Hlongwane, Mbokazi, and Makhanya.