Chicago Fire head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter has explained having Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane together in a new environment will help the two players settle in quickly.
Speaking to journalists, Berhalter praised the quality of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, saying the defender is capable of handling top-level players.
He added that the focus now is on helping Mbokazi adapt to the league and preparing him for the upcoming FIFA World Cup after Bafana Bafana’s qualification.
“He’s a player that has high potential, he’s shown that he can deal with some top players and play at the highest stage,” Berhalter told the media.
“And now for us it’s about get him prepared, used to the league, adapt to the league and get him prepared for the World Cup.”
Asked why Dithejane was signed, he said the club is keen to continue bringing in talented players, adding that having each other at the club will benefit both players.
“There’s two things, the first is, we want to bring talented players who can help the squad into this club,” he added.
“Secondly, we think it’s beneficial for them to have each other and to work in pairs.
“It’s gonna be a huge transition for both players and it’s comforting they’ll have from their home country to help them adapt.”