The United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS) has for years been considered a retirement village for footballers in the twilight of their careers.

In recent years, Argentinian star Lionel Messi (38) and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez (39) are the notable names to make their way there to both play for Inter Miami, and South Korean Heung-min Son (33) left Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC.

Year in and year out, more footballers well in their 30s have signed for MLS clubs.

So, for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, it was disappointing to see 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi join Chicago Fire. The Belgian expressed that a move away to Europe would have made footballing sense.

Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter begs to differ, insisting the MLS will elevate Mbokazi’s game.

“He is a player that has high potential, and he’s already shown that he can deal with some top players and play at the highest stage,” Berhalte told the club’s media department.

“Now, for us, it’s about getting him prepared, used to the league, adapted to the league, and then getting him prepared for the World Cup.”

Berhalter added, “He’s comfortable on the ball, dynamic in tackles. “Aggressive in the air even though he’s not the tallest. Able to cover the space behind him. For a 20-year-old, he’s got a lot of potential.

“I believe that when you are playing against players like Messi, Son, and (Denis) Bouanga, the quality we have in this league will prepare you for any league in the world.”

Mbokazi has been joined by South African winger Puso Dithejane at Chicago Fire.