Puso Dithejane Chooses MLS Move as Sundowns and Chiefs Miss Out
TS Galaxy’s highly rated winger Puso Dithejane has opted to take his career abroad, completing a move to Chicago Fire FC and turning down interest from both Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
Despite sustained pursuit from the reigning Betway Premiership champions and exploratory interest from his former club Chiefs, the 21-year-old winger has chosen Major League Soccer, where he will link up with fellow South African Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Negotiations between Sundowns and Dithejane had progressed significantly, with personal terms reportedly agreed as the player made it clear he was keen on the move. However, the transfer ultimately collapsed at boardroom level after TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi stood firm on his valuation.
Galaxy were unwilling to entertain offers below R20 million for one of their most valuable assets, and despite Sundowns’ continued efforts, the impasse proved decisive. While the exact figure involved in the MLS switch remains undisclosed, sources have indicated that Chicago Fire tabled an offer Galaxy were prepared to accept.
Chiefs’ Informal Approach Raises Eyebrows
While Galaxy were initially keen on a European pathway for Dithejane’s development, they remained open to local interest—provided it followed proper channels. That, however, was not the case with Chiefs.
Sukazi has since revealed that although senior figures from Naturena had made direct contact with the player, no formal approach was ever made to the club.
He explained that Dithejane had received several missed calls from Kaizer Motaung Jr, Chiefs scout Tera Maliwa and DDC coach Vela Khumalo, yet Galaxy were never officially engaged.
The chairman also pointed to the irony of the situation, noting that Dithejane’s rise came after a difficult exit from Chiefs, where he had been sidelined and asked to perform ball-boy duties despite pushing for first-team opportunities.
Contract Details Confirmed
Chicago Fire officially confirmed Dithejane’s signing on Tuesday, announcing that the winger has agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract, with an additional one-year club option.
“Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has acquired winger Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy FC of South Africa’s Betway Premiership,” read the club statement. “Dithejane will occupy a U-22 Initiative slot and an international roster position, and his contract will run through the 2029/30 season with a Club option for the 2030/31 season.”
Per MLS policy, financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
From PSL Breakout to International Recognition
Dithejane’s move to the United States caps a rapid rise that has seen him emerge as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents. His form at Galaxy earned him recognition from Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, with the winger included in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Domestically, the attacker has collected multiple Man of the Match awards and was crowned Betway Premiership Player of the Month for November. In the current 2025/26 season, he has made 15 appearances, registering four goals and six assists.
A product of the famed Transnet School of Excellence, Dithejane later joined the Chiefs development system before moving to TS Galaxy in 2023—where his career truly took flight.
Now, with a long-term contract secured in the MLS and a reunion with Mbokazi awaiting, Dithejane embarks on the next chapter of a career that continues to gather momentum beyond South Africa’s borders.