There is finally positive news surrounding Mbekezeli Mbokazi, with the Bafana Bafana defender returning to the Chicago Fire training grounds after weeks on the sidelines.
Mbokazi had been facing a lengthy spell out after suffering a left thigh tear following South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
At one stage, there were fears that the injury could keep the centre-back out until 2027. He subsequently travelled to Finland for surgery as he began his recovery.
However, his rehabilitation appears to have progressed faster than initially expected.
Mbokazi back sooner than expected
Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter had previously suggested that Mbokazi could miss the remainder of the 2026 season, before later walking back those comments and acknowledging that he may have been too quick to rule the defender out.
Those concerns have now eased significantly.
Chicago Fire confirmed on Friday that Mbokazi has returned to the club’s training environment alongside other players working their way back from injury.
While his return to the training grounds does not necessarily mean he is immediately ready for competitive action, it represents a major step forward in his recovery.
A boost for Chicago Fire
Mbokazi’s return could not have come at a better time for Chicago Fire.
With seven matches remaining, the club is sitting third in the Eastern Conference on 37 points, five points behind Inter Miami, who have played one additional game.
The South African defender’s eventual return will give Berhalter another option as Chicago Fire look to finish the campaign strongly.
Mbokazi will also have the opportunity to build his fitness alongside fellow South African Puso Dithejane, who has been enjoying a strong spell in Chicago.
The pair could yet play an important role for the club as the season reaches its decisive stage.
Bafana Bafana will be watching closely
Mbokazi’s recovery is equally encouraging news for South Africa.
The defender could become an important option for new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, particularly with the national team preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
South Africa are scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea in the upcoming qualifiers, making the availability of key defensive players particularly important.
For now, Mbokazi’s priority will be completing his rehabilitation and regaining full match fitness.
But after fears that his season could already be over, simply seeing the defender back at the Chicago Fire training grounds is a significant step in the right direction.
Could Mbokazi’s comeback become a major boost for Bafana Bafana?
