Chicago Fire FC Gregg Berhalter has spoken highly of Mbekezeli Mbokazi while setting a clear objective for the defender ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The centre-back joined the Major League Soccer outfit from Orlando Pirates in December 2025. The move materialised just nine months after the 20-year-old made his professional debut for the Buccaneers.
It highlighted his rapid rise in a year which saw him breaking into the Bafana Bafana set-up before starting all South Africa’s matches at the 2025 AFCON tournament. He has now established himself as a vital defensive pillar in the national side and is likely to make it to the World Cup.
However, the move to Chicago Fire attracted some stinging criticism from Bafana coach Hugo Broos who felt it was a misguided decision. That leaves Mbokazi with a task to prove to the Belgian coach that the transfer to the MLS was not a career blunder.
The central defender would want to hit top form for the Men in Red and remain part of Broos’ squad.
BERHALTER LAUDS MBOKAZI AND MAPS OUT WORLD CUP TARGET
The Chicago Fire coach has highlighted Mbokazi’s potential and defined the benchmark he wants the player to reach before the World Cup.
“He is a player who has high potential, and he has already shown that he can deal with some top players and play at the highest stage,” said Berhalter who is a former USA coach.
“Now it’s for us to get him prepared, get used to the league, adapt to the league and get him prepared for the World Cup.”
Mbokazi was joined at Chicago Fire by winger Puso Dithejane who joined from TS Galaxy. A Bafana fringe player, Dithejane will be out in the MLS working to get himself into Broos’ World Cup plans.
Berhalter sees the South African duo having an advantage of being in the same team, saying it will help them quickly settle down in a new environment.
“I think there are two things, the first thing is that we want to bring talented players who can help the squad in this club,” said Berhalter
“The second thing is we think it’s beneficial for them to have each other and work in pairs.
“It’s going to be a huge transition for both players and it’s comforting to know they will have someone from their home country to help them adapt.”
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