Footballers from South Africa continued to make themselves known on the international stage last weekend. Among the notable events were Puso Ditejana's goal in the United States and Olwetu Makhanya's contribution to Rangers' advance to the Scottish League Cup final.
These performances will serve as an additional stimulus for coach Pitso Mosimane, who monitors the progress of South African players playing abroad, especially ahead of upcoming Bafana Bafana international matches.
Ditejana scores in MLS
Ditejana was one of the bright participants in the match, coming on as a substitute and scoring a goal in Chicago Fire's 4-2 victory over Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer on Saturday. The former TS Galaxy winger entered the field in the 87th minute and scored just 36 seconds later, marking his third goal of the MLS season. This goal came after a combination play with Andrew Gutman and Robert Lewandowski, allowing Chicago to score four goals.
His compatriot Mbekezeli Mbokazi also played an important role in this victory, playing all 90 minutes in central defense while Chicago secured three points away. Thanks to this result, Fire maintained fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with another regular season match remaining.
Makhanya helps Rangers reach cup final
In Scotland, Bafana Bafana defender Olwetu Makhanya played all 90 minutes when Rangers defeated Aberdeen 1-0, securing their place in the Scottish League Cup final. The central defender continued his impressive start at Ibrox, helping Rangers keep a clean sheet in a tense semi-final. The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute when Ryan Nadiri scored the goal, advancing the team to the final.
Makhanya quickly established himself as an important figure in Rangers' defense, and his latest game added to the encouraging period since his arrival in Scotland. Now Rangers will focus on the final, aiming to win the trophy under manager Derek McInnes.
Mofokeng participates in Union SG victory
Meanwhile, Relebokhile Mofokeng played 84 minutes as Royal Union Saint-Gilloise won away against SC Beveren 2-1 in the Belgian Pro League. Union first took the lead thanks to Luis Patrice shortly before halftime, and then Guilherme Smith doubled the advantage early in the second half. Beveren managed to reduce the deficit through Arno Verschuren, but Union held onto the three points despite playing with ten men after Dylan Akino's sending off. Mofokeng approached the goal shortly after the restart, but his shot from close range went wide. The former Orlando Pirates forward continues to gain valuable experience in Belgium, striving to strengthen his position in the Bafana Bafana squad.
