MLS side Chicago Fire have confirmed the signing of South African winger Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy.
This comes after his club had reportedly turned down offers from Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, who were keen on securing the 21-year-old’s services for the remainder of the current Betway Premiership season.
Dithejane is the second South African to join the club ahead of the new MLS season. Last month, they closed the deal to sign Bafana Bafana centre back Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.
“In welcoming Puso to Chicago, we’re adding one of South Africa’s best young, attacking players to our team,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and head coach Gregg Berhalter. “His dynamic energy will add depth to our squad this season, while also setting the foundation for him to continue developing and strengthening the team for many seasons to come.”
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Dithejane began his career at the Transnet School of Excellence before moving on to continue his development at the Kaizer Chiefs Academy. After realising that first team opportunities would be limited, Dithejane moved on to TS Galaxy in 2023, where he started making a name for himself.
Playing out wide on the wing, and able to feature more centrally, Dithejane has had a productive season for his club, scoring four goals and providing six assists in all competitions. His ability in the final third at such a young age has alerted clubs to his talents.
Dithejane’s arrival in Chicago will also help Mbokazi settle in at the club.
Dithejane’s move further underlines Major League Soccer’s growing interest in the PSL as a source of emerging talent, while offering the winger a valuable platform to test himself in a new environment.
For the 21-year-old, the switch represents both a significant step in his career and another example of South African players increasingly finding pathways into the international game.
Sport
