Sports
MLS Set to Become Regular Destination for South African Talent, Says Chicago Fire Coach
Chicago Fire head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter has praised the standard of South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL) and predicted that more South African players will move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the coming years. Berhalter currently manages South African duo Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane at Chicago Fire.
His comments follow a study by SkillCorner, a global leader in AI-driven sports data, which examined the growing trend of South African players moving to MLS. The research found that, as of May 2026, the United States was the most common destination for South African footballers leaving their home league. "More players are leaving South Africa to play in the United States than any other nation," the study stated.
The trend has continued with Lyle Foster's move to Houston Dynamo on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent. Foster joins a growing group of South Africans in MLS, including Mbokazi, Dithejane, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Speaking to SkillCorner, Berhalter said he believes South Africa could become a major source of talent for MLS clubs. "I think South Africa is going to become a real pipeline for MLS, and I don't think that's a stretch," he said. Discussing his own players, he added, "With Mbokazi, what stood out wasn't just his physical attributes — it was his composure on the ball and his ability to read the game a step ahead of most centre-backs his age. Puso brings a different profile. He has real technical quality, is comfortable in tight spaces, and fits the way we want to play."
Berhalter also explained why South Africa stands out among other African nations as a source of MLS recruits. "The PSL has genuine quality, and South Africa stands out across Sub-Saharan Africa because of the availability of player data," he said. "That gives clubs like ours much greater confidence in evaluating players before they ever step foot in Chicago. As more MLS clubs become comfortable with that pathway, I expect you'll continue to see more South African players making the move."