Mbokazi returns to partial Chicago Fire training after six-month injury absence

South Africa defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has taken his first steps towards a return to football after resuming partial training with Chicago Fire following a six-month injury lay-off.

Mbokazi has not played in an official match since featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Bafana Bafana. The 20-year-old suffered a thigh muscle tear when he returned to training with Chicago Fire ahead of the MLS season’s resumption.

Chicago Fire head coach and Director of Football Gregg Berhalter subsequently indicated that Mbokazi was likely to be unavailable for at least six months. The news caused major concern in South Africa, particularly with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching.

Those fears were eased on Friday when Chicago Fire posted an image of Mbokazi running alongside other players who had returned to training. The club shared the photograph on its official social media accounts with the caption: “Some new and some familiar faces out at training.”

KickOff understands that the former Orlando Pirates defender has returned to training at Chicago Fire, although he is currently involved only in limited sessions.

“Yes, he had his first partial session on the green grass since the injury on Friday,” a reliable source in Chicago confirmed.

The return represents an important stage in Mbokazi’s rehabilitation, although he remains some distance from full match fitness. His progress will be closely followed by both Chicago Fire and the South African national team.

The thigh injury ended Mbokazi’s hopes of appearing in the much-anticipated MLS All-Star XI game. He had received more fan votes than any other player, including Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.

Mbokazi would have become the first South African selected for the fixture since Doctor Khumalo in 1996. He was also the first South African ever chosen in the starting line-up.

The defender, who is from Hluhluwe, had earned widespread praise for his performances in a Bafana Bafana shirt during the World Cup. He was one of the key players in helping South Africa reach the knockout phase of the tournament for the first time in the nation’s history.

His injury came at a particularly difficult time after he had established himself as an important figure for both club and country. The six-month estimate for his recovery also created uncertainty over his availability for South Africa’s upcoming international commitments.

There is still a long road ahead before Mbokazi can return to full training and competitive action. However, his first partial session on the grass provides welcome encouragement for Chicago Fire and new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane as they monitor his recovery.