Dithejane joins Chicago’s pre-season preparations

Puso Dithejane got his first game time with new Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire in midweek, playing some 25 minutes in a pre-season friendly in California against fellow MLS outfit Austin FC.

Dithejane, 21, was signed from TS Galaxy at the start of the year and has been late in joining up with Chicago’s pre-season preparations.

But he was brought on at halftime of the game against Austin in the Coachella Valley Invitational on Wednesday at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, before being taken off in the 71st minute.

Chicago coach Gregg Berhalter has used the opening two of three games at the pre-season tournament to give all his squad playing time.

Second half kicks off with a new XI🙌

Cohen
Glasgow
Rogers
Elliott
Cupps
Dean
Pineda
Oregel Jr.
Mueller
Poreba
Dithejane#cf97 — Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) February 11, 2026

Mbekezeli Mbokazi played in the first half of Sunday’s 3-2 victory against the LA Galaxy as Chicago opened the Coachella Valley Invitational with a victory. They were 2-0 up at halftime after which the ex-Orlando Pirates centre back was taken off.

The 20-year-old Mbokazi also played the first half on Wednesday against Austin. The halftime score was 1-1.

Chicago will play a last game at the tournament in California on Saturday against Portland Timbers before returning home to prepare for their MLS opener away against Houston Dynamo in Texas on 21 February.

The XI for the start of today’s match 👇 #cf97 pic.twitter.com/sFg1QIjiYI — Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) February 11, 2026