THE FUSE

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly backed Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s high-profile move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, dismissing concerns raised by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. The transfer, reportedly valued at $3 million (R51 million), has been described by McKenzie as historic for South African football, making Mbokazi the country’s highest-paid player in a transfer deal. Speaking at O.R. Tambo International Airport, McKenzie praised both the player and his agent, Basia Michaels, for negotiating a record-breaking agreement that sets a new benchmark in local football.