Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell says Olwethu Makhanya’s national team recognition is a reward for his impressive form for the Major League Soccer outfit.
Makhanya, 21, had to bide his time once moving to the United States of America, with one full season in the MLS Next Pro, with the reserves after multi-million-rand transfer from Stellenbosch.
The arrival of Carnell as head coach saw them win the MLS Supporters Shield (most points in a single season) with Makhanya central to the success, which also qualified the club for the Concacaf Championship.
And after his performance in the 1-0 loss to Club America in the first leg round of 16 tie at Subaru Park yesterday, Carnell singled out the towering defender for his progression over the last 12 months.
“Makhanya has done a great job of sticking to principles, and he’s getting rewarded, and I think everyone has seen that, he’s in the preliminary roster for Bafana Bafana,” Carnell said.
“Let’s just hope he’s created enough attention around him and that he gets his first call up, so I think tonight is a statement in the right direction, just a couple of months before the World Cup.”
Makhanya has racked up 40 appearances for Union since his debut, scoring three goals and has been capped in the U23 South Africa national team.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
