BAFANA Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya receives support from Philadelphia Union teammates.
As South Africa prepared to take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, Olwethu Makhanya received a timely reminder of the support he carries from thousands of kilometres away.
The Philadelphia Union defender was the recipient of a special video message from his club teammates, who wished him good luck ahead of Bafana Bafana’s highly anticipated clash against the tournament hosts at the Estadio Azteca.
For Makhanya, it was another memorable moment in a remarkable journey that has taken him from KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, to football’s biggest stage.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since moving to Major League Soccer, where he has established himself as one of Philadelphia Union’s brightest young prospects.
