TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic backs Puso Dithejane to thrive after Chicago Fire move

Puso Dithejane deserves all the success coming his way and has the opportunity to grow in leaps and bounds and become a cornerstone of Bafana Bafana, according to TS Galaxy coach, Adnan Beganovic.

Dithejane recently signed for MLS side Chicago Fire, putting pen to paper on a bumper deal after leaving Galaxy during the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old’s move abroad caught many in the football fraternity by surprise as he was widely expected to join one of the local big three – Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates – who were reportedly vying for his signature.

Dithejane was one of the standout performers in the league during the first half of the season, exploiting space in defence, taking on defenders and showing an appetite for goals, scoring four goals and registering four assists from 15 games in all competitions.

Dithejane arrived at Galaxy late in 2023. Beganovic expressed his delight at the attacker’s move to the United States, where’ll link up with countryman Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was also snapped by Chicago Fire.

“I am so, so happy,” Beganovic said. “When I look at his human qualities, he deserves everything he is achieving now. He’s a good guy – a young player with amazing skills.”

While Dithejane had been with the team for over two years, Beganovic suggested it was only in recent months that the attacker truly showed his potential, having arrived from Chiefs under the dark cloud of being labelled a “ball boy”.

“He exploded in the last six months. He felt he had the support of the club and the coaching staff,” Beganovic said.

“He wasn’t afraid to play football. He wasn’t afraid of making mistakes. When he missed crucial opportunities, we didn’t put pressure on him, but encouraged him and spoke to him one-on-one.

“In the end, we produced a good product over the last two-and-a-half years because we communicated properly with him.”

With his move to the MLS – which is regarded as a stronger league than the PSL – Beganovic believes Dithejane will continue to grow and become an important member of the national team in the near future.

“I can’t say he has unlocked his full potential yet, but he has the qualities to build something concrete for South African football,” Beganovic said. “Going to Chicago Fire, I think he has everything he needs to grow and become a better player.”

Life without Dithejane has been mixed for Galaxy. They won their opening game of the new year by beating Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, before suffering defeats to AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United.

The Rockets will have a chance to redeem themselves and return to winning ways when they face Gallants in the Nedbank Cup last-32 clash at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

Returning to the townships could boost Galaxy’s chances, as they will be buoyed by their “12th man” – the supporters who backed them when they won the competition in 2019 while campaigning in the First Division.

“The board decided that we play there, and we accepted it because we have played friendly games in that area. We also unveiled our jersey there,” Beganovic said.

“I also feel we need to give back to that community. TS Galaxy belongs there. So why not play there and ensure it returns there after a couple of years? I think it’s important for us and our supporters.”