Mbokazi, Dithejane break silence on Chicago Fire moves | OneFootball

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Mbokazi, Dithejane on Chicago transfers

Photo: Chicago Fire @ X

Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane have opened up about their moves to Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Chicago Fire in the January transfer window.

The defender joined from Betway Premiership heavyweights Orlando Pirates, putting pen to paper on a deal that runs until 2029, with a club option for the 2029/30 season.

Mbokazi's transfer was subject to criticism, including from Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who believes the player should have held out for a move to Europe after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“It was very difficult when people were talking back home saying different things. But I persevered because I'm a young player, I'm still very young. So, age allows me to explore different things and to explore my talent at a higher level,” said Mbokazi as quoted by MIR97 Media.

"I enjoy being here. I deserve to be here and I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be here. Everything has its own time. I'm still enjoying my time being here as a young player and if I need to go to a higher league or if I need to go somewhere else, that will happen on its own time.

"But for now, I enjoy being here and I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be here.

On the other hand, Dithejane, who was lured from TS Galaxy, inking a deal that runs until the 2029/30 term, with a club option for the 2030/31 campaign, says he's been a long-standing follower of the club, and is eager to justify his signing.

“I know Chicago Fire, I've been following them, especially on Instagram. I've been checking their score updates, I've been following their games in MLS and I know them specifically, for beating the team that Lionel Messi plays on,” the winger stated.

"I'm not here to be mesmerized or be shocked by new things. I'm here to work and prove myself that I am the player that Chicago Fire needed. I'm here to take the team to another level. I'm not here to be mesmerized by the new things that I see here.