Despite impressing for Philadelphia Union in MLS, Olwethu Makhanya is yet to be called up to the Bafana Bafana squad by Hugo Broos.
Image: Philadelphia Union
Young South African defender Olwethu Makhanya continues to turn heads with Philadelphia Union in the United States.
The 21-year-old, who was a key figure as his side won the Major League Soccer Supporter’s Shield last season, has reportedly got a number of European clubs keeping tabs on his progress for a potential transfer in the future.
Last month, Chicago Fire head coach Greg Berhalter told reporters that it was after watching the former Stellenbosch FC star play that convinced them they wanted a South African defender of their own. The club secured the services of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, which has transformed their defence.
Despite excelling in the US, Makhanya has yet to be called up to the national team by head coach Hugo Broos. Maybe it’s time that changed with a World Cup in North America coming up in a few months. When you look at what he brings to the pitch, there is a strong case to be made.
Makhanya’s strengths lie in his physical presence, defensive awareness and comfort on the ball. The South African centre-back is strong in aerial duels and produces solid defensive numbers, including tackles, interceptions and clearances, highlighting his ability to read danger and deal with opposition attacks.
He also has good pace and athleticism for a central defender, allowing him to recover quickly and operate in a high defensive line. In addition, Makhanya is comfortable in possession and capable of carrying the ball forward, giving him the profile of a modern, proactive centre-back.
Does that sound familiar? Some of Makhanya’s strengths are the same things that Mbokazi has been praised for – physicality, aerial dominance, pace and the ability to play out from the back. It’s no coincidence that Chicago Fire went looking for a South African defender after seeing what Makhanya could do, with Mbokazi fitting a similar modern centre-back profile.
Mbokazi has been getting a lot of praise recently, but some of that should be reserved for Makhanya. He is that good, and his selection into Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad would be well-deserved.
If Makhanya continues on this trajectory, there’s every reason to believe he could become one of South Africa’s standout defenders on the world stage. With his combination of physicality, intelligence and technical ability, he is showing the qualities of a player ready for international football.
A call-up for Bafana Bafana would not only reward his progress but also give South Africa another modern, dynamic option at the back as the team looks ahead to the World Cup. If he seizes the opportunity, Makhanya could be a defining presence for South Africa in North America.
IOL Sport
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