The Bafana Bafana centre-back hadn’t featured for the Fire since the World Cup, having suffered a serious thigh tear in training shortly after returning from international duty, an injury that was initially expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season.
ALSO: 8/10 – Rating Bafana’s first performance under Pitso Mosimane
His recovery ultimately progressed ahead of schedule, and Saturday’s appearance in North Carolina marked his first taste of competitive action in months.
Mbokazi looked sharp on his return, completing 44 of 50 passes for an 88% success rate, while also registering 61 touches, 2 tackles and 5 recoveries across his time on the pitch.
His comeback will be a welcome sight both for Chicago Fire, who have missed his presence at the back during his absence, and for Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, who will be keeping a close eye on his recovery ahead of South Africa’s ongoing AFCON qualifying campaign.
𝗧𝗟𝗕 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚!
📹Watch TLB highlights: Mbekezeli Mbokazi has returned from injury and played 79 minutes as Chicago Fire beat Charlotte FC 0-1 in the MLS. 🇿🇦🇺🇸
➡️61 touches
➡️44/50 passes (88%)
➡️2 tackles
➡️5 recoveries pic.twitter.com/z4sPXKiow3— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) September 27, 2026
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Photo: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
