South African football fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief with news that Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is recovering well in rehab and could make a return to the pitch sooner than expected.
The 20-year-old Fire centre-back suffered a thigh tear in late July and at the time, it was anticipated his injury would keep him out for the remainder of 2026.
Mbokazi’s head coach Gregg Berhalter has now provided positive news on how the Hluhluwe-born hard man is doing in his recovery and could be on course to make a return before the conclusion of the year.
“I think the information I have given [on Mbokazi] that he’s definitely out for this season was premature,” Berhalter said after their 1-1 stalemate against New York Red Bull at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
“He’s in a rehab program at the moment and he is progressing [showing positive signs].
“There’s no exact time-frame when he’s going to come back, but there’s a possibility it’s before the end of the season.”
Mbokazi had just returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup where he gave an impressive performance for the South African national senior men’s team where they created history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
He fitted like a glove upon his arrival at Chicago Fire, but his great form was halted by injury after being named in the MLS All Star game.
Another positive addition is that the former Orlando Pirates captain could even make it back in time for his club in the MLS Cup Playoffs set to get underway in late November.
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