Poor start for Mzansi’s men in MLS

Puso Dithejane and Mbekezeli Mbokazi both made a losing debut at the start of the new Major League Soccer season on Saturday, while there was also a loss for Philadelphia Union on a day of disappointment for the South African contingent.

Ex-Orlando Pirates defender Mbokazi started for his new club, Chicago Fire, as they opened their campaign with a 2-1 away loss against Houston Dynamo. He was replaced with two minutes to go by Dithejane, who was signed last month from TS Galaxy.

Offside? Onside? Doesn’t matter. Mbo’s there. #cf97 pic.twitter.com/JgyUcZbcRH — Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) February 22, 2026

The South African pair were among four new debutants for Chicago, who led at halftime, but Houston turned it around when Brazilian midfielder Guillherme got on the end of a through pass behind the defence in the 67th minute to slip the pass past Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady.

Guillherme doubled down in the 78th minute, pouncing on a rebound from Brady’s diving stop to score twice on his debut and earn victory for his side.

Bradley Carnell’s Philadelphia Union opened their season away against D.C. United in Washington, falling 1-0 as forward Tai Baribo scored the lone goal in the 23rd minute. The Union outshot their hosts, 13-7, but could not find the equaliser.

Olwethu Makhanya played the entire game in central defence, picking up a 41st-minute caution.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane played the first 65 minutes for Minnesota Thunder as they drew 2-2 away at Austin, but was then taken off.

Chicago will next host Montréal on Saturday, 28 February, at Soldier Field. Union are at home on Thursday to face Defence Force of Trinidad & Tobago in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup first-round tie. They will then host New York City in their first home game of the MLS campaign.

Minnesota are also home for the first time next weekend as they take on Cincinnati.