Chicago Fire attacker Puso Dithejane has opened up about the impact of having fellow South African, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, alongside him, explaining how this has eased their transition to life in the United States.
The South African duo made their respective high-profile moves to the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit ahead of the 2026 campaign, leaving the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to test themselves abroad.
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Mbokazi was the first to put pen-to-paper for the Chicago-based outfit, completing a transfer from Orlando Pirates, with Dithejane soon following suit after finalising his switch from TS Galaxy.
Reflecting on his adjustment to a new country, Dithejane revealed that adapting to life off the pitch in the US has been remarkably seamless thanks to their each other’s presence.
He emphasised that their mutual support system has been vital, noting that having a familiar face and fellow countryman nearby has completely staved off the loneliness that often plagues African players adapting to foreign leagues.
“Mbokazi has been incredible to have here with me because he is someone I can communicate with, like anytime because we understand each other,” said Dithejane during interview with Chicago Fire media department.
“Our languages don’t differ that much. I’m a Tswana person but I know some languages in South Africa even though there are things I still need to learn.
“So, I told myself that Mbokazi is a Zulu person, and I know Zulu because I have been learning for some time now.
“We just talk about things from SA where we come from, what happens there because where we come from when you are on the street you see donkey passing by; you see cows passing by.
“But here it’s different, you don’t see those things. You only see them at the zoo. So, it’s important to have someone who comes from where you come from, who understands your culture.”
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