Mbokazi Shows Makhanya Why He Is A Bafana
Mbekezeli Mbokazi got the better of fellow South African Olwethu Makhanya as Chicago Fire beat Philadelphia Union in an MLS match on Sunday morning.
Mbokazi featured in what appeared to be a back three and even showcased one of the line-breaking diagonal passes that became synonymous with his time at Orlando Pirates.
The visitors took the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Hugo Cuypers meeting a perfect cross from Andre Guman.
With seven minutes added in the first half, the Union found an equaliser through Milan Iloski, sending the game into the break level.
The lively encounter continued in the second half, and Ivory Coast midfielder Jonathan Bamba restored the lead for Mbokazi’s side in the 58th minute at Subaru Park, the home of Philadelphia.
While two South Africans—Mbokazi and Makhanya—were in action, the same could not be said for Puso Dithejane, who remained on the bench for Fire after joining from TS Galaxy during the January transfer window.
The win saw Fire move up to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with seven points from five matches.
Makhanya, who is working under South African coach Bradley Carnell at Union, was composed at the back.
However, he was unfortunately left out of the final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Panama.
Mbokazi, meanwhile, has been included in the squad, with the first friendly set to be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in his hometown on Friday, followed by another match four days later at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
These will be the final FIFA-sanctioned friendlies for Bafana Bafana before they head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
