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Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s return to group training could not have come at a better time for Chicago Fire, with the Major League Soccer side desperate to stop the rot and get their season back on track.
The return of Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi to group training has handed Chicago Fire a massive boost as they look to turn their fortunes around following a difficult run of results.
The South African international has spent the past two months on the recovery trail after suffering a thigh injury following South Africa’s FIFA World Cup last-32 clash against Canada. The setback was initially expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year, making his return to training a welcome development for both club and country.
Gregg Berhalter’s men have endured a frustrating spell, going winless in their last eight matches across all competitions while conceding 18 goals during that run.
Although they remain fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, their recent defensive struggles have raised questions about their ability to maintain momentum as the MLS season reaches a crucial stage with play-offs within reach.
Since arriving in January 2026, the Bafana Bafana star has established himself as a formidable presence in Chicago’s defence, bringing composure, strength and much-needed stability to the backline. His absence has clearly been a significant setback, and his return could provide the defensive reinforcement Berhalter desperately needs.
With the Fire continuing to find the net through the likes of Puso Dithejane, Maren Haile-Selassie and Robert Lewandowski, tightening things up at the back could be the missing ingredient in their push for MLS honours.
Their attacking players have shown they can deliver goals, but the challenge now is to find the right balance between attack and defence. With the MLS top honours still within reach, the Fire cannot afford to let their recent struggles derail their ambitions.
Mbokazi’s injury has ruled him out of new Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane’s first squad, which includes AFCON qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as an international friendly against Egypt in Cairo on 4 October.
However, with his recovery now progressing, there is hope that TLB could return to the Bafana fold for the November AFCON 2027 qualifiers, or potentially during the next international window in March, depending on his fitness.
