SA Starlet Recognized in MLS After Scoring First Goal
Former Stellenbosch FC defender Olwethu Makhanya has received accolades in Major League Soccer (MLS) after scoring a vital match-winning goal for Philadelphia Union against CF Montreal on Thursday.
The 21-year-old center-back joined the American team from Stellies in July 2023, signing a three-year contract with an option for an additional two years. His current deal runs until December 2025.
After his arrival, Makhanya played with the club’s reserve team, contributing to their success in winning the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference. He was promoted to the first team following the appointment of his fellow countryman, Bradley Carnell, as the new head coach in January.
Makhanya quickly became a regular starter under the former Bafana Bafana player. In the 22 matches he was available for, the Durban-born talent participated in 20 games, starting in 15 of them.
Through consistent appearances, the South African promising player seems to have settled well in the MLS, establishing a strong partnership with seasoned Norwegian center-back Jakob Glesnes at the core of Philadelphia’s defense.
Following his first goal for the club, Makhanya was acknowledged by being selected for the MLS team of the matchday, sharing the honor with prominent players like former Bayern Munich and PSG striker Eric Choupo-Moting and Emile Forsberg, who previously played for RB Leipzig in Germany.
Remarkably, the highly regarded youngster made the MLS team of the matchday for the second time within a week, having impressed during the 2-0 victory over New York Red Bulls in the previous match.
With this latest win, Carnell’s squad solidified their position at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings, racking up 46 points from 23 league matches. Philadelphia is set to face Houston on Sunday.
