Cassius Mailula to leave Mamelodi Sundowns for Toronto FC. Image: @masandawana
LIST – South African stars who have played in MLS
From the great Jomo Sono to former Kaizer Chiefs star Njabulo Blom – List of South African stars who have bossed it up in MLS over the years.
Cassius Mailula to leave Mamelodi Sundowns for Toronto FC. Image: @masandawana
Despite the English Premier League being the most preferred destination for many footballers, South African stars have often settled for other leagues than the EPL.
Several stars have been playing for different clubs dotted around Europe, with MLS being the most preferred league by many.
SOUTH AFRICAN STARS WHO HAVE PLAYED IN MLS
ALSO READ: Maritzburg star to reject Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates for MLS offer
Over the years, South African players have made the American league their playing ground, and several stars have had illustrious careers in MLS.
Let’s dive into South African stars who have managed to star for MLS clubs.
CURRENT PLAYERS
Bongokuhle Hhlongwane – Minnesota United
The 23-year-old talisman is now in his second season with Minnesota United. He has managed to net six goals from 21 appearances.
Njabulo Blom – St Louis City FC
Despite joining The club in December 2022, Blom has since become a regular and has been adjusting well. He has started 11 of his 16 appearances for the club.
ALSO READ: MLS superior to PSL; Mailula move to US makes sense
Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng – FC Dalls
The former Kaizer Chiefs academy player has since become a regular with FC Dallas. He is in his second season with the club.
NEW STARS JOINING MLS CLUBS
Olwethu Makhanya – Philadelphia Union
Olwethu is the latest star to join the MLS from the DStv Premier League. Despite the 19-year-old star being rumoured to be on Sundowns’ radar, he joined the MLS Eastern Conference outfit Philadelphia Union instead.
Cassius Mailula – Toronto FC
Despite being under the radar of Ligue 1 giants Monaco, Mamelodi Sundowns revealed that Mailula was MLS bound.
The 21-year-old star will join a host of South African footballers who have played in the MLS. His deal is good as done, and he recently revealed that he can’t wait to play against Lionel Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami from PSG.
ALSO READ: Sundowns star Mailula to the MLS: Massive offer revealed
THE PIONEERS
Doctor Khumalo
After his short stint in Argentina, Doctor Khumalo joined the Columbus Crew on a short contract in 1996.
Shaun Barlett
He played for Colorado Rapids.
Jomo Sono
He starred alongside Brazilian great Pele at New York Cosmos. Jomo Sono played for Colorado Caribous, Atlanta Chiefs, and Toronto Blizzard.
Kaizer Motaung Snr
Kaizer Motaung played for over a decade in the MLS league. He played for Atlanta Chiefs and Denver Dynamos before returning to South Africa to establish Kaizer Chiefs.
ALSO READ: Olwethu Makhanya bids farewell to Stellies, MLS move confirmed
Kamohelo Mokotjo
After a stint in the Eredivisie, the star joined FC Cincinnati before signing for Sekhukhune United back home.
Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe
The star had an illustrious stint in America and starred for several clubs, which included
- Denver Dynamos
- Minnesota Kicks
- Toronto Blizzard
Other stars who have played in MLS include:
- Nkosinathi Nhleko (FC Dallas)
- George Lebese (Switchbacks FC)
- Davide Somma (San Jose)
- Danleigh Borman (RI Rams, NY Red Bulls, Toronto, New England)
- Lebo Moloto (Nashville SC, Tulsa)
