SA Starlet Honoured In MLS After Netting First Goal
Former Stellenbosch FC defender Olwethu Makhanya has been honoured in the Major League Soccer (MLS) after opening his Philadelphia Union account with a crucial match-winning goal against CF Montreal on Thursday.
The 21-year-old center-back signed for the American outfit from Stellies in July 2023 on a three-year deal with an option to extend for a further two years. His current contract is set to run until December 2025.
Upon his arrival, Makhanya turned out for the club’s reserve team, helping them to win the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference, before gaining promotion to the first team after the arrival of his compatriot, Bradley Carnell, who took over as the new head coach in January.
Makhanya quickly emerged as a regular feature in the Starting XI under the former Bafana Bafana defender. In the 22 matches he was available, the Durban-born player was called upon in 20 games and started 15 of those encounters.
With consistent game time, the South African starlet has seemingly found his feet in the MLS, forming a formidable partnership with experienced Norwegian center-back Jakob Glesnes in the heart of Philadelphia’s defense.
In the wake of scoring his first-ever goal for the club, Makhanya was recognized as he was included in the MLS team of the matchday alongside renowned stars such as former Bayern Munich and PSG striker Eric Choupo-Moting and Emile Forsberg, formerly with RB Leipzig of Germany.
Interestingly, the highly rated youngster made the MLS team of the matchday for the second time in a week, having cut following an impressive performance in the 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls a game before.
Meanwhile, with the latest win, Carnell’s men maintained their spot at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference log standings, with 46 points picked up from 23 league outings. Philadelphia will swing back into action with a visit to Houston on Sunday.
