Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed that talks have taken place with Bafana Bafana head Hugo Broos as they look to correlate on a plan to develop defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Mbokazi made a surprise switch to the Major League Soccer outfit prior to the 2026 January transfer window before being joined by South African counterpart Puso Dithejane.
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Speaking to the club’s media in the presence of the Mzansi duo, Berhalter emphasized on their willingness to aid the two players reach new heights so that they are better developed by the time they move elsewhere.
“I’ve had a number of conversations with Hugo and I think, being in the position myself, I completely understand his perspective or point of view,” said Berhalter.
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“Basically, he wants his players playing at the highest possible level. When I was coach of the [USMNT] national team, we had the same objectives, can our players play at the top clubs?
“And just like the United States, I think there’s steps for every player, and I think for them to move from the South African league to the Major League Soccer is a step up in quality and it’s gonna to help them develop.
“Our goal is to help both of these [Mbokazi & Dithejane] players adapt, to get used to a higher level and to add to their skillset, and then eventually move them on.
“So, you know, for us, our objectives are completely aligned with the South African national team, we want both of these players to reach their highest level possible, and we’re going to do everything within our power to help them do that.
“We have a great connection with the South African national team coaching staff, whether that’s technical staff or the performance staff, we are in continual contact and you know we see this as a project we work on together.”
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