WATCH: Mbokazi makes goal-saving blocks but Chicago Fire debut ends in defeat

South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi endured a challenging start to his Major League Soccer career as the Chicago Fire fell 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo in their season opener.

Despite a moment of defensive brilliance from the young centre-back, his new club couldn’t hold on to an early lead.

The Fire struck first in the opening half through a Hugo Cuypers goal, but Houston rallied after the break, scoring twice to hand Chicago its first loss of the Eastern Conference season. The match also marked the debut of another South African, Puso Dithejane, who came on as a late substitute for Mbokazi in the 88th minute.

A difficult start despite high hopes

Offside? Onside? Doesn’t matter. Mbo’s there. #cf97 pic.twitter.com/JgyUcZbcRH

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) February 22, 2026

Mbokazi‘s performance received mixed reviews. While he showcased his potential with a crucial defensive intervention, his overall match rating from analytics site FotMob was a modest 5.98, the second-lowest among Chicago’s starting players. Goalkeeper Chris Brady was rated slightly lower at 5.95.

The debut came after high praise from the club’s front office. In a recent appearance on the “Mully & Haugh Show,” Chicago Fire’s President of Business Operations, Dave Baldwin, expressed high expectations for the former Orlando Pirates player.

“We added a 20-year-old defender from South Africa named Mbokazi, who will most likely start for the World Cup team for South Africa,” Baldwin stated. “So we have vastly improved the defence.”

Mbokazi addresses move amid criticism

Before his first appearance, Mbokazi spoke to the media about his transfer, which had drawn criticism from South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos. The defender defended his decision to move to the MLS, viewing it as a necessary step in his development.

“I was more comfortable playing in a local league, but I feel like playing in a foreign country or playing in another league will be a good challenge for me, and I won’t disappoint,” Mbokazi said, according to KickOff. “Whatever the Chicago Fire saw in me is definitely what I am capable of, and I’m willing to do more.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of hearing negative opinions back home but remained confident in his path. “We persevered because I’m a young player,” he explained. “Age allows me to explore different things and to explore my talent at a higher level. I deserve to be here.”

What’s next for the Fire?

With his debut now behind him, Mbokazi will focus on impressing coach Gregg Berhalter in training to secure his spot in the starting lineup for upcoming matches.

The Fire will look to bounce back in their first home game of the season on Saturday, February 28, against CF Montréal. Their opponents are also seeking redemption after a heavy 5-0 loss to San Diego FC in their opening fixture.

Following that, Chicago will face the Columbus Crew on Sunday, March 8.