South African youngster Puso Dithejane is quickly turning heads in the United States — and his own coach believes it’s only the beginning.
Watch Puso Dithejane’s full debut performance on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/shorts/rmUGePP0_nc?feature=share
After struggling to settle in, and get into the starting team, the former TS Galaxy star made his full debut this past weekend.
The 21-year-old forward earned his first Major League Soccer start for Chicago Fire in their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Kansas City.
The result has sent the club soaring to third place in the Eastern Conference league.
And while Dithejane – who joined the US side alongside former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi – didn’t get on the scoresheet, his impact didn’t go unnoticed.
Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter was full of praise after the match, highlighting the former Kaizer Chiefs development player’s energy and work rate.
“I thought he was lively… It’s not easy to make your first start, but he gave us everything we wanted,” said Berhalter.
Deployed in a front three alongside Hugo Cuypers and Philip Zinckernagel, Dithejane showed flashes of brilliance. He was pressing hard, taking on defenders, and contributing defensively.
But here’s the scary part for the rest of the league… Berhalter believes Dithejane hasn’t even hit top gear yet.
“As he gets more rhythm, he’s going to be a formidable player in this league,” he warned.
That’s a big statement. And a clear signal that the young South African could soon become a major force in MLS.
Meanwhile, fellow SA talent Mbekezeli Mbokazi had to watch from the bench, but the spotlight firmly belonged to Dithejane on the night.
With Chicago Fire flying high and confidence building, all eyes are now on the rising star from Mzansi.