TS Galaxy highly-rated star Puso Dithejane has turned his back on a potential move to the reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns to join Mbekezeli Mbokazi at MLS side Chicago Fire FC.
Despite heavy interest from the Brazilians and a pursuit by Kaizer Chiefs, Dithejane has opted for the top-flight football in the United States of America after negotiations with Sundowns hit a roadblock over valuation.
As previously reported by FARPost, talks between Sundowns and Dithejane had reached an advanced stage, with personal terms agreed upon as the player signalled his desire for the move. However, the deal collapsed at the boardroom level.
Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi stood firm, rejecting the Brazilians’ bid after making it clear he would accept nothing less than R20 million for one of his most prized assets. Sukazi’s stance was unwavering: Galaxy would not entertain offers that failed to reflect Dithejane’s skyrocketing stature. While the exact transfer fee for his move to the MLS remains undisclosed, FARPost has been informed that Chicago Fire tabled an offer Sukazi simply could not refuse.
THE CHIEFS “COLD WAR” AND THE EUROPEAN DREAM
The 21-year-old’s journey to the Windy City follows intense interest from several local heavyweights, including his former club, Chiefs. While Galaxy initially preferred a European pathway for the youngster’s development, they remained open to domestic offers—provided they were handled professionally.
“However, the pursuit by the Soweto giants was not conducted through the proper channels, according to Sukazi. The Galaxy chairman recently stated that while Chiefs officials and even a senior player had been in direct contact with Dithejane, no formal offer was ever tabled to the club
“On Sunday afternoon, I was with Dithejane when he showed me several missed calls from Kaizer [Motaung] Jr, Tera Maliwa [Chiefs scout], and [DDC] coach Vela Khumalo,” Sukazi revealed during a radio interview. “It’s surprising. If they want to put an offer, we will talk with them, but these calls are going straight to the player, not me.”
The chairman also highlighted the irony of the situation, noting the bittersweet nature of Chiefs’ sudden interest: “It’s surprising how football works. Remember, Dithejane left Chiefs after being told to serve as a ball boy when all he wanted was to play.”
DITHEJANE CONTRACT LENGTH REVEALED: SA STAR PENS FOUR-AND-A-HALF-YEAR CHICAGO FIRE DEAL
Dithejane has traded the PSL for the Windy City, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with Chicago that includes an additional one-year club option, the club announced on Tuesday. He becomes the second high-profile departure from Galaxy in the January transfer window, following Khulumani Ndamane’s recent move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has acquired winger Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy FC of South Africa’s Betway Premiership,” reads the club statement. “Dithejane will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position, and his contract will run through the 2029/30 season with a Club option for the 2030/31 season. Per Club and MLS Policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”
Dithejane’s move to the United States follows a meteoric rise at Galaxy, where his brilliance caught the eye of Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. The 21-year-old was recently rewarded for his form with a place in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON].
In the domestic scenes, the winger has secured several Man of the Match awards and been named the Betway Premiership Player of the Month for November. In the current 2025/26 season alone, Dithejane has featured in 15 games, contributing an impressive four goals and six assists.
Dithejane’s journey to the professional ranks began at the renowned Transnet School of Excellence before he joined the Chiefs development. After breaking through with the Chiefs’ reserve side, he transferred to Galaxy in 2023, where he truly established himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents.
The Chicago deal also sees the attacker link up with fellow South African Mbokazi, who recently left Orlando Pirates for the MLS.
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