The highly-rated centre-back has enjoyed a meteoric rise since swapping the Premier Soccer League for Major League Soccer, but the Chicago Fire defender insists his success is rooted in his challenging past. The South African international has quickly become a fan favourite in the United States, proving that the mental toughness forged in his youth was the perfect preparation for the bright lights of professional football abroad.
The Major Soccer League club has released a short 23-minute film featuring their two South African players' journeys from Mzansi to The Windy City. The movie arrives on the back of the news that the 20-year-old defender has received the most votes of any player for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game and will be the second South African, after Doctor Khumalo in 1996, to take the field in the game.
The Major Soccer League club announced a short film 'On the Rise: From South Africa to Chicago Fire' featuring their two South African players. Ahead of the premiere on Friday, May 22, a short trailer has been released.
Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.
The 20-year-old South African defender had a match that saw both the best, and worst of the youngster. He created the Fire's opening goal with a defence splitting pass down the flank, but was caught out of position and reacted slowly to the danger when Toronto got their equaliser.
The 20-year-old South African defender has been nominated as one of the best players in Major League Soccer but needs your votes to make the team which will likely feature stars like Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and Rodrigo De Paul.
The 20-year-old South African defender was, together with goalkeeper Chris Brady, instrumental in keeping L'Impact at bay. Puso Dithejane got more minutes under his belt as a second half substitute as the Men in Red closed the distance on the log leaders with their second win in a row.
The 20-year-old South African defender was back in Gregg Berhalter's starting eleven after being rested for Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Red Bull New York. But it was his fellow countryman who had the critical impact in winning the penalty that ultimately led to the Men In Red taking the lead.
The ex-Usuthu staffer has lifted the lid on the dramatic transfer saga that saw the South Africa international slip through the club's fingers. Despite having a contract drafted and ready for the defender, the Durban-based side were left stunned when the Sea Robbers swooped in at the eleventh hour to secure the youngster.
The prospect of Neymar joining his former Barcelona team-mates in Major League Soccer is heating up as the Brazilian superstar considers his next move away from Santos. While a reunion with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami remains a romantic possibility, the playmaker is also being linked with a surprise switch to Ohio.
The centre-back's move from the Soweto giants to the USA may have divided opinion in the coaching dugout, but there is no debating the financial windfall the young defender has secured. The South Africa international has traded the PSL for Major League Soccer in a deal that has catapulted him into a different stratosphere of wealth.
The Men in Red coach has addressed the high-profile error made by Mbekezeli Mbokazi during a disappointing Major League Soccer defeat. The South African youngster saw a misplaced pass lead directly to an opposition goal in a tight contest against FC Cincinnati.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed again as he could not help the Men in Red see out a chaotic game where his team were unable to capitalize on a man advantage, nor profit from a 90th minute penalty, as they conceded at the death to to slip to defeat at Soldier Field.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed he could not help his team see out the game and secure the win over their Western Conference rivals that would have seen them through to the quarterfinals of America's premier cup competition.
Berhalter has hailed rising Mzansi star after the player's standout Major League Soccer debut. The 21-year-old was thrust into the starting XI as the Men in Red ran riot in a 5-0 demolition of rivals Sporting Kansas City, leaving the Chicago Fire mentor glowing over his prospect's immediate impact.
The 20-year-old South African defender was rested ahead of a challenging run of cup and league matches and watched from the bench as his fellow countryman got his first start of the season. Dithejane joined Mbokazi on the bench after a disappointing hour of play with his side one goal to the good.
The Chicago Fire are reportedly unlikely to sign Robert Lewandowski upon the expiration of his contract at Barcelona this summer, according to The Athletic. The Polish striker's deal is up in June, and he has been heavily linked with a move to MLS in the past. However, Chicago's interest lies elsewhere, especially with current striker Hugo Cuypers in fine form.
Robert Lewandowski’s future remains uncertain. One club is reportedly making a concrete move, while the possibility of him staying at FC Barcelona has not yet been ruled out.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed he could not help his team see out the game and secure the points that would have put them right in the middle of the title race. Instead, they fall into a clutch of five teams all trying to chase down the Boys in Gold, who have only lost once all season, to Mbokazi's Chicago Fire.
After a remarkable outing with Orlando Pirates, the defender made a move that left many debating whether it was the right career decision. His national team coach Hugo Broos was one of the vocal voices that raised concern over a move to Major League Soccer. The Belgian believed that the youngster should have stayed a little with the Sea Robbers and signed for a club in Europe at least.
The 20-year-old was superb as The Fire put in a resolute defensive display to protect their 1-0 lead to the final whistle. Afterwards, Mbokazi was officially awarded the best player accolade for his performance on the pitch and will head into their next assignment brimming with confidence.
The 20-year-old was part of a resolute defensive display as The Fire, fuelled by a record-breaking start at Soldier Field, put in a resolute defensive display to protect their 1-0 lead to the final whistle. Afterwards, Mbokazi was singled out by both the coach and his goalkeeper for his efforts after only returning to the United States late on Friday after international duty with Bafana Bafana.