Bafana Bafana stars to watch in Europe and MLS this weekend

With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching next month, attention is turning to the South African players currently making their mark in leagues across Europe and Major League Soccer.

Several potential Bafana Bafana selections are unavailable this weekend through injury or a lack of fixtures. [Mbekezeli Mbokazi] of [Chicago Fire] and [Siyabonga Ngezana] of [FCSB] are both injured, while [Olwethu Makhanya], [Relebohile Mofokeng] and [Shandre Campbell] will not be in action this weekend.

Here are the South African players to keep an eye on.

Saturday, August 22

[Luke Le Roux] – [Portsmouth]

Portsmouth host [Lincoln City] at 13:30 South African time in the English Championship.

Le Roux is unlikely to start and may have to settle for another place on the bench after being informed that he can look for a new club.

[Samukele Kabini] – [Molde]

Molde travel to lower-league [Midsund] at 16:00 in the NM Cupen.

Left-back Kabini has established himself as an important member of the Molde squad, although he could be rested for what should be a comfortable cup assignment.

[Ime Okon] – [Hannover 96]

Hannover 96 have endured a difficult opening to the 2. Bundesliga season, losing their first two matches.

They now face fifth-tier [SV Hemelingen] at 15:30 in the German Cup, giving Okon and his teammates an opportunity to restore some confidence.

Sunday, August 23

[Puso Dithejane] – [Chicago Fire]

Dithejane has been one of Chicago Fire’s standout performers in recent weeks and heads into Sunday’s clash after scoring against [Orlando City] last time out.

Chicago Fire face the [New York Red Bulls] at 01:30 South African time in an early-morning MLS fixture.

[Bongokuhle Hlongwane] – [Minnesota United]

It has been a challenging campaign for Hlongwane, who has made just five starts and 10 substitute appearances for Minnesota United.

The South African is still searching for his first goal of the season as Minnesota, who are currently outside the MLS play-off places, travel to face the [San Jose Earthquakes] at 04:30.

[Lyle Foster] – [Burnley]

Foster was an unused player in Burnley’s opening match against [West Ham] and will be hoping for an opportunity when Burnley travel to [West Bromwich Albion] at 13:00.

The forward will be looking to make an impression as he pushes for regular minutes.

[Gift Links] – [AGF]

It has been a difficult start to the campaign for [AGF], who are still searching for their first league victory after three matches, having drawn two and lost one.

Their struggles have extended into European competition, with the Danish side losing the Super Cup and the first leg of their UEFA Europa League tie at [Benfica]. They were also eliminated from the Champions League by Azerbaijan’s [Sabah].

AGF now host [OB] at 14:00 on Sunday and will be hoping to get their season back on track.

[Thapelo Maseko] – [FC Copenhagen]

Maseko completed his move to FC Copenhagen this week, making it unlikely that he will be thrown straight into the starting XI.

The South African has not played since the 2026 World Cup and may need time to build up his match fitness.

Copenhagen travel to [Viborg] at 18:00, with the visitors having won all three of their league matches so far this season.

[Tylon Smith] – [New England Revolution]

Smith recently joined the [New England Revolution] on loan from English club [Queens Park Rangers].

Given his recent move, it appears unlikely that he will immediately feature in the match-day squad, although a surprise appearance cannot be ruled out.

New England Revolution host [New York City FC] at 22:30 on Sunday.

Nick Said has covered African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and can be followed on [X] and [LinkedIn].