Olwethu Makhanya - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

More votes than Lionel Messi! How MLS All-Star Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become a global 'ambassador for South African football' & potential future great

In his first season at the Chicago Fire, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become an All-Star in the United States - polling more votes than Argentine G...

JUNE 24 • goal

More votes than Lionel Messi! How MLS All-Star Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become a global 'ambassador for South African football' & potential future great

Mbekezeli Mbokazi & Olwethu Makhanya make South Africa's 2026 World Cup roster | MLSSoccer.com Chicago Fire FC defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya have made South Africa's final roster for the 20...

MAY 27 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Back from suspension Makhanya has served his suspension and will return to face New York Red Bulls on July 22 following the World Cup break.

Impact Makhanya had been forced to sit out after accumulating five yellow cards, missing the Inter Miami fixture in the process. The center-back had been on a run of 11 consecutive starts prior to the ban, contributing 46 clearances, 23 tackles and 14 interceptions across that span, and is expected to slot straight back into the defensive lineup against the Red Bulls once MLS action resumes after the tournament.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Serving another suspension Makhanya is set to serve a one match suspension and will miss the clash with Inter Miami on Saturday.

Impact Makhanya will serve his second suspension of the season, this time for yellow card accumulation. He's recorded 11 straight starts in a row, collecting 46 clearances with 23 tackles and 14 interceptions in that span. Due to this suspension, he will not play until after the World Cup break.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Iloski scores in the 70th minutes for Union in 1-1 tie with Crew

Milan Iloski scored in the 70th minute for the Philadelphia Union in a 1-1 tie with the Columbus Crew

MAY 17 • Associated Press

Max Arfsten's goal, Patrick Schulte's 3 saves help Crew beat Union 2-0

Max Arfsten scored in the fourth minute, Patrick Schulte had three saves, and the Columbus Crew beat the Philadelphia Union 2-0

APRIL 26 • Associated Press

Gray's header in 9th minute of stoppage time helps NYCFC beat Union 2-1

Tayvon Gray scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time to help New York City FC beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1

MARCH 1 • Associated Press

Sent off Sunday Makhanya received a red card during Sunday's 2-1 loss to New York City FC.

Impact Makhanya was sent off late in the game after being shown a second booking when the score was still tied. He'll be ineligible to face San Jose Earthquakes in the third fixture of the season and could be an option again in a March 14 visit to Atlanta. While Makhanya serves his ban, Geiner Martinez could get a rare chance to play in the middle of the back line.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Busy defensively in away defeat Makhanya had four tackles (two won), eight clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus D.C. United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 41st minute.

Impact Makhanya started the season in the starting lineup for Philadelphia after 26 games starting last season. He started with a tough away trip to D.C. United. He was busy making eight clearances, one block, two interceptions and won two of his four tackles. He started the season with a yellow card, having been given seven yellow cards and two red cards last season. He made eight or more clearances on seven occasions last season.

FEBRUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Signs for two more seasons Makhanya has had his two-year option picked up by Philadelphia, according to his club.

Impact Makhanya will remain with the Union for another two seasons after an option, with the 22-year-old having his option exercised on his initial contract with the club. This comes after he broke into a starting role midway through this season, having recorded 26 starts in 32 appearances. He will likely remain starting as a central defender moving into next year after signing for another two seasons.

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finishes suspension Makhanya has served his one match suspension and is expected to be an option for the trip to D.C United on Saturday.

Impact Makhanya is back after serving a two match suspension. He had started the previous five games in a row, totaling 22 clearances while holding on to a clean sheet in that span.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended two games Makhanya will miss the next two MLS games due to his straight red card against Cincinnati and yellow cards accumulation, according to the league.

Impact Makhanya received too many yellow cards in MLS and was sent off in the last game against Cincinnati. As a result, he will be suspended for the next two matches against Vancouver and New England. During his absence, Nathan Harriel could feature again in a center-back role with Francis Westfield completing the starting backline.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Sent off Saturday Makhanya received a red card during Saturday's matchup against FC Cincinnati.

Impact Makhanya made a violent tackle that earned him his second yellow card and forced his side to play the last half hour of the game with 10 men. The defender is now ineligible for the next visit to Vancouver Whitecaps and could bounce back on Sept. 20 against New England Revolution after serving his suspension. Philadelphia didn't have other center-back options on the bench Saturday, but Nathan Harriel has played that role in the past and could cover the South African's absence, with a full-back like Francis Westfield completing the starting lineup.

AUGUST 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores, shines defensively in win Makhanya scored a goal off two shots (one on target), created one chance and made one tackle and nine clearances during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Montreal.

Impact Makhanya not only dominated defensively as usual but was also a huge aerial threat on the attacking end, which included scoring the goal that ended up sealing his team's win in the 50th minute with a powerful header off a corner-kick cross. This was the first goal of the season for the center-back, who also racked up 53 clearances over his last nine starts.

JULY 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Tai Baribo, rookie Olwethu Makhanya lead Union to 2-1 victory over Montreal

Tai Baribo scored his 14th goal and rookie defender Olwethu Makhanya scored the first of his career early in the second half to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 2-1 victory over CF...

JULY 17, 2025 • Associated Press

Union hold off CF Montreal to remain atop MLS standings Olwethu Makhanya scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half to lift the host Philadelphia Union to a 2-1 win over CF Montreal on Wedn...

JULY 17, 2025 • MIAMIHERALD.COM

Vassilev and Damiani score early to lead Philadelphia's 2-0 win over Red Bulls

Indiana Vassilev and Bruno Damiani scored in the first half and the Philadelphia Union went on to defeat the New York Red Bulls 2-0

JULY 13, 2025 • Associated Press

Clears ban Mehmeti has served his one match suspension and is expected to be an option for the trip to Inter Miami on Saturday,

Impact Makhanya missed his first match of the season as he was forced to serve a ban for a red card against Nashville. He had started all four matches prior to his suspension, totaling 28 clearances, 11 interceptions and 10 tackles with four blocks.

MARCH 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Trio helps Nashville hand Union first loss of season with 3-1 victory

Sam Surridge and Ahmed Qasem had first-half goals, Hany Mukhtar scored on a late penalty kick and Nashville handed the Philadelphia Union their first loss of the season with a 3-1...

MARCH 16, 2025 • Associated Press

Sees red Sunday Makhanya was shown a straight red in the extra time of the second half of Sunday's clash with Nashville.

Impact Makhanya was sent off with a straight red card Sunday. The defender has been a regular starter and will miss the next match against St. Louis City on Saturday. His absence will force a change in the backline, with Ian Glavinovich potentially taking on a larger role in defense if he is fully fit for the game.

MARCH 16, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Philadelphia Union sign South African defender Olwethu Makhanya Makhanya, 19, will be added to the Union’s active roster and occupy an international roster slot.

JULY 18, 2023 • INQUIRER.COM

Union sign D Olwethu Makhanya The Philadelphia Union signed defender Olwethu Makhanya from South African side Stellenbosch FC to a contract that spans through the 2025 se...

JULY 18, 2023 • MIAMIHERALD.COM

Philadelphia Union sign South African defender Olwethu Makhanya | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing The Philadelphia Union have acquired defender Olwethu Makhanya from South African top-flight side Stellenbo...

JULY 18, 2023 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Joins Philadelphia Makhanya is set to make a move to the MLS after agreeing to a two-and-a-half-year contract through the 2025 season, with an option through 2027 from South African side Stellenbosch...

Impact Makhanya played a season with DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch FC, South Africa's first-tier league. He made 19 starts in 20 appearances while keeping three clean sheets and averaging about 1.7 tackles per match. The defender will provide more depth to the team, who already have two solidified center backs of Jack Elliot and Jakob Glesnes.

JULY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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