Mbokazi makes Chicago Fire return as Mabasa scores first Maghreb Fez goal

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi returned to competitive football after a lengthy injury absence as Chicago Fire beat Charlotte 1-0 away from home.

The 21-year-old centre-back had not played since June, when he featured for Bafana Bafana in their 1-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 defeat by Canada.

Mbokazi’s return came after a three-month injury layoff and marked his first appearance for Chicago Fire since being sidelined. Another South African, Brody Williams, was named among the substitutes but did not play.

It was Williams’ first involvement with the senior team after he impressed for the club’s MLS Next Pro side.

The result in Charlotte came during the early hours of the morning, with Chicago Fire securing a narrow victory on the road.

Elsewhere in Major League Soccer, Bongokuhle Hlongwane also returned from injury for Minnesota United.

The attacker made his first appearance since 20 August after being left as an unused substitute in Minnesota’s 3-2 defeat by Los Angeles Galaxy last week.

Hlongwane came off the bench against Seattle Sounders and contributed an assist, although Minnesota ultimately lost 3-1.

In Morocco, Tshegofatso Mabasa scored his first goal for new club Maghreb Fez as they defeated Renaissance Zemamra 2-1 in the Botola Pro.

The goal completed a productive weekend for the South African players abroad, with Mbokazi returning to action, Hlongwane providing an assist and Mabasa opening his account for Maghreb Fez.