WATCH: Mbekezeli Mbokazi catches the eye in first outing for Chicago Fire
South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi takes part during a training session for MLS club Chicago Fire. Mbokazi recently joined the club from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.
Image: Chicago Fire on X
Former Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi put his hand up with an impressive defensive display against LA Galaxy in his first match for Chicago Fire.
The 20-year-old Bafana Bafana defender completed the move to Major League Soccer last month after what was a meteoric rise with Ezimnyama ngenkani ezikamagebhula.
While the match was only a pre-season contest, the club will be happy with what they’ve seen so far from the young Mbokazi. In a clip posted on X, he can be seen calmly taking the ball off a Galaxy attacker before recycling the ball back to his teammates.
In another clip, he attempts an audacious shot at goal from distance, reminiscent of his wonder strike against Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Cup last October.
Mbokazi was substituted off at half time with Chicago leading 2-0. The game ended with the team winning 3-2 against the Marco Reus-captained Galaxy.
Former TS Galaxy winger Puso Dithejane, who has also recently signed for the club, was not involved in the friendly as he continues to build match fitness. Off the field, however, he has already begun settling into life in the United States, even correctly predicting the Seattle Seahawks to beat the New England Patriots in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
The exciting winger will also be hoping to impress immediately when he finally gets on the field.
Mbokazi’s assured start in Fire colours suggests he may not take long to force his way into serious contention, even if this outing came in pre-season. Composed in defence and confident enough to express himself going forward, the former Pirates prospect already looks comfortable on the MLS stage – and if this debut is any indication, Chicago Fire supporters could soon be watching another South African talent make a real mark abroad.
For Dithejane, the focus will now be on building match fitness and settling into his new surroundings. Once up to speed, the pacey winger will be eager to show why Chicago Fire moved quickly to secure his signature, with his direct style and attacking intent offering another exciting option going forward.
IOL Sport