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.
The former Bucs skipper has opened up on the meteoric rise of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, recalling the training sessions where the youngster first showcased his talent. The 20-year-old sensation has rapidly progressed from a Buccaneers prospect to a key figure for Bafana Bafana and a marquee signing for MLS outfit Chicago Fire.
The 20-year-old has been massive for the national team since getting his chance in mid-last year following convincing displays while with Orlando Pirates. Even after his move to the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, the youngster has shown no signs of stopping from delivering for Mzansi when given an opportunity.
Barcelona have reportedly moved to secure the future of Robert Lewandowski by tabling a fresh contract offer for the veteran striker. Despite his advancing years, the Polish icon remains a central figure in the club's plans as they look to navigate a complicated summer transfer window.
Mohamed Salah is reportedly unlikely to move to Major League Soccer at the end of the 2025-26 season, despite repeated links to various clubs. Both Chicago Fire and San Diego FC had been floated as destinations for the Egyptian, but both seem unlikely at this point, according to the Athletic. Salah announced he will depart Liverpool at the end of the season on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old has risen rapidly in his club career, making notable strides in a short space of time. Since his professional debut in March 2025, he has already secured a move overseas and continues to attract praise as a player destined for greatness. However, his switch to America did not earn a nod from his national team coach.
The 20-year-old started his third Major League Soccer match in a row and played well in keeping a clean sheet for his club. However, the centre back will have sleepless nights over a late chance that would have secured victory for his side.
Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the beloved Apple TV series Ted Lasso, trained with MLS's Chicago Fire last month, the club confirmed Wednesday. GOAL reported the Mexican-born actor was on trial with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive earlier this week, and could yet receive a contract. Fernandez played academy soccer in Mexico as a teenager.
When the 20-year-old moved from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire, it triggered a massive upsurge on the Chicago club's social media, which saw 180,000 followers join in the first 48 hours. That figure has since grown to over half a million South African social media accounts now following the club, making up a quarter of their entire online audience.
Matchday 2 of MLS brought a signature comeback win for Inter Miami, and a continuation of form for the Red Bulls. But it might be time to worry about Atlanta.
The 20-year-old started his first home match of the season and played well in securing a clean sheet for his club despite playing for 40 minutes with 10 men after a VAR review led to a red card for left back Jonathan Dean.
The 21-year-old has been on a steady rise in recent years, transforming his career. From being an Amakhosi discard, he rebuilt his reputation to become one of the standout performers in the Premier Soccer League while turning out for TS Galaxy. He is now forging a club career overseas as he looks to scale even greater heights, including in international football.
Robert Lewandowski is reluctant to leave Barcelona as a free agent and has reportedly set a goal target that will help him to earn a contract extension. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, is said to have a “very good” offer on the table from MLS side the Chicago Fire. He is ready to delay any move to the United States and remain in Catalunya.
The 20-year-old started his first competitive match for his new club, but it did not go as planned. Despite taking the lead in the first half through Hugo Cuypers, Chicago succumbed to two second half goals to slump to their first defeat of the Eastern Conference season. Puso Dithejane also made his debut when he replaced his fellow countryman in the 88th minute.
The 20-year-old made a surprising exit to the Major Soccer League after making his name in South Africa while turning out for the Sea Robbers. There was reported interest from Europe, where some top teams were linked with the Bafana Bafana international. However, the centre-back and his representatives opted to go to the United States.
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Chicago Fire FC
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