Chicago Fire FC news

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly 'open' to joining MLS side the Chicago Fire on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 37-year-old has held positive talks with the club about a potential move after his contract with Hansi Flick's side expires. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have also been credited with interest in Lewandowski but may now miss out on the goalscoring great.

The departure of the 20-year-old centre-back to North America may have left a void that the Buccaneers will need to address. The Soweto giants have enjoyed a season built on being tight at the back and will be keen to ensure they do not suddenly become porous. Maintaining that defensive solidity will be key to their bid to add more silverware this season.

The national team coach acted swiftly to resolve an issue that had the potential to unsettle his camp to ensure his men remain focused on the upcoming continental tournament. He is now looking to lead a highly motivated squad to Morocco, determined to improve on the third-place finish they achieved at the previous edition.

The 73-year-old Belgian rubbed a majority of the fans in South Africa the wrong way, and despite the South African Federation Association, SAFA, clarifying the matter, the former Cameroon coach has apologised. He insists his sentiments were blown out of proportion, and what he meant is different from what was perceived.

The 20-year-old has made a huge leap in his young career, sealing a major move just nine months after breaking into professional football. While he was widely tipped to take the European route, the defender has instead opted for a switch to America, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. Two former Amakhosi midfielders have come out strongly in support of the move after his national team coach openly voiced his opposition.

As Broos deals with the storm, his comments on the Chicago Fire defender generated, he has singled out what he will not tell the Bafana Bafana players before and during the AFCON finals. The Belgian has also revealed the pressure he gets from the fans, who are hopeful that Mzansi will do well in Morocco. After reaching the semi-finals in the last edition, Bafana are seen as among the pre-tournament favourites.

Both the former Orlando Pirates defender and the South Africa tactician have been trending since Wednesday, just 10 days before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that is set to begin in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. The new Chicago Fire defender was on the receiving end for failing to meet his end of the bargain in the national team's preparations.

The 20-year-old defender secured a reported $3 million (R50 million) transfer to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, but will join them only after representing South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations. He played his final match for Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final, helping the Buccaneers lift the trophy before this new chapter abroad.

The Buccaneers were rewarded with their impressive domestic form as they produced nine players for Hugo Broos' South Africa, who will be in Morocco from December 21 to challenge for the continental glory. The 20-year-old defender who recently sealed a move to the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire is convinced Bucs players will play a starring role for the national team at the tournament.

The 20-year-old Bafana Bafana international has been excellent for both the Buccaneers and the national team despite making his debut in top football in March under the then Bucs tactician Jose Riveiro. He will now be playing in the Major League Soccer in the United States after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Buccaneers coach used the example of his own playing career to encourage the young defender to seize the opportunity at Chicago Fire knowing he had helped the Bucs to top the league and win two trophies already this season.

The former Morocco international and Fulham defender is enjoying his tenure at the Soweto giants, where he has already won two domestic crowns, a couple of months after helping Marumo Gallants from the Premier Soccer League's relegation. However, the 47-year-old is set to do without one of his key players, who is set for a new challenge.

The Carling Knockout final is more than a trophy chase. For the Buccaneers, it’s a farewell stage for 20-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who departs for Major League Soccer after this match. For Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, it’s a chance to etch their name into history. One night, two stories and a stadium braced for destiny.