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CHICAGO, IL–While one team is getting another South African, a Brazilian is leaving another. Both the Fire and Stars had significant transactions on Tuesday.
The Fire signed South African midfielder Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy FC as a U-22 initiative player. Dithejane, 21, will also occupy an international slot and his contract runs through 2029-30 with a club option for 2030-31.
Dithejane scored the first hat-trick of the 2025-26 South African Premiership season in a 4-1 win against Chippa United. He has played in 63 total matches across all competitions for TSG, including a personal best 27 matches in the 2024-25 Beltway Premiership (12 starts). So far in the 2025-26 season, Dithejane has started all 12 regular season matches in which he has played, registering four goals and four assists.
“In welcoming Puso to Chicago, we’re adding one of South Africa’s best young, attacking players to our team,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “His dynamic energy will add depth to our squad this season, while also setting the foundation for him to continue developing and strengthening the team for many seasons to come.”
On December 2nd, the Fire signed South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi also as a U-22 initiative. Dje D’Avilla and Leonardo Barroso occupy the other two U-22 initiative slots for the Fire. The Fire have their two designated player spots occupied by Jonathan Bamba and Hugo Cuypers.
Meanwhile, Chicago Stars FC sent forward Ludmilla to San Diego Wave for $800,000 in intraleague transfer funds. Ludmilla led the club in scoring with ten goals last season. The Stars are betting with their recent acquisitions that will carry them in 2026.
“We wish Ludmila the best in this next chapter of her career,” said Chicago Stars head coach, Martin Sjögren. “I am confident that the talented forwards we’ve recently acquired like Ivonne Chacón and Ryan Gareis, coupled with our rising talent in Jameese Joseph and Micayla Johnson, will form an extremely formidable front line. They will be bolstered by seasoned midfielders, including recently acquired, Brianna Pinto who we believe will be a significant asset to our team. We also anticipate Mallory Swanson’s return later in the year will continue to build momentum throughout the season.”
Chacon joined the Stars last August making two appearances and scoring a goal. Gareis joined the Stars in the offseason after four seasons at Houston Dash. Swanson sat out all last season for maternity leave.
