Olwethu Makhanya
Squad number 24 · Philadelphia Union
Their 2026 World Cup
Olwethu Makhanya travelled to the 2026 World Cup with South Africa, wearing number 24, without ever getting on the pitch. His side played 4 matches (1 win, 1 draw and 2 defeats) and bowed out in the round of 32, beaten by Canada 1-0.
Defence went to K. Mudau (4 matches, 367′) and I. Okon (4 matches, 367′).
Another 6 players in the South Africa squad ended up the same way, without a single minute. The full run is on the South Africa team page.
Biography
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 and the South Africa national team.
Club career Makhanya started his career with South African side Stellenbosch, where he was regarded to have performed well for the club. He was nominated for South Africa Young Footballer of the Year. He won the 2022-23 Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award. In 2023, he signed for American side Philadelphia Union, becoming the club's first under-22 initiative signing.
International career On 28 May 2026, he was selected by manager Hugo Broos to represent his nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Style of play Makhanya is known for his bravery. He can operate as a central defender in a back four or a back three.
Personal life Makhanya has regarded England international John Stones as one of his soccer idols.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) · text adapted from the article.
See all the tournament stats on the World Cup data hub.
Photo: Bryan Berlin · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)