Olwethu Makhanya
{{Short description|South African soccer player (born 2004)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use South African English|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Olwethu Makhanya
| image =
| caption =
| fullname = Olwethu Mpilwenhle Makhanya
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|2004|4|30}}
| birth_place = Durban, South Africa
| height =
| position = Defender
| currentclub = Philadelphia Union
| clubnumber = 29
| years1 = 2022–2023
| clubs1 = Stellenbosch
| caps1 = 20
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2023–
| clubs2 = Philadelphia Union
| caps2 = 3
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2023–2024
| clubs3 = → Philadelphia Union II
| caps3 = 31
| goals3 = 2
}}
Olwethu Mpilwenhle Makhanya (born 30 April 2004) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.{{Cite web|url=https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/sa-players-abroad/makhanya-the-anticipation-was-killing-me-20230808|title=Makhanya: The Anticipation Was Killing Me|publisher=snl24.com}}
Career
Makhanya started his career with South African side Stellenbosch, where he was regarded to have performed well for the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-07-18-stellies-proud-to-release-makhanya-to-us-league-club/|title=Stellies proud to release Makhanya|publisher=sowetanlive.co.za}} He was nominated for South Africa Young Footballer of the Year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/fan-park/what-could-olwethu-makhanya-bring-to-mamelodi-sundowns-20230621|title=What could Olwethu Makhanya offer at Downs?|publisher=snl24.com}} He won the 2022-23 Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/sa-players-abroad/olwethu-makhanya-how-i-got-signed-by-philadelphia-union-20230723|title=Makhanya: How Philadelphia Scouted Me In SA|publisher=Soccer Laduma}} In 2023, he signed for American side Philadelphia Union, becoming the club's first under-22 initiative signing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/olwethu-makhanyas-special-mls-status-explained|title=Olwethu Makhanya's special MLS status explained|publisher=sabcsport.com}}
Style of play
Makhanya is known for his bravery.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-07-01-young-players-who-need-to-play-their-last-season-in-the-psl-and-move-overseas/|title=Olwethu Makhanya - Times Live article}} He can operate as a central defender in a back four or a back three.{{Cite web|url=https://www.snl24.com/kickoff/sanews/sa-players-abroad/philadelphia-union-director-opens-on-signing-explosive-makhanya-20230720|title=Philadelphia Union director opens up on signing 'explosive' Makhanya|publisher=Kick Off}}
Personal life
Makhanya has regarded England international John Stones as one of his soccer idols.{{Cite web|url=https://947.co.za/articles/2023/07/20/former-stellenbosch-fc-star-olwethu-makhanya-living-the-american-dream-in-mls|title=Olwethu Makhanya living the American dream in MLS|publisher=947.co.za}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{sports links}}
{{Philadelphia Union squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Makhanya, Olwethu}}
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:South African expatriate men's soccer players
Category:South African expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:South African men's soccer players
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
Category:Philadelphia Union II players
Category:Stellenbosch F.C. players
Category:Soccer players from Durban
Category:21st-century South African sportsmen
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:Philadelphia Union players
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