International Soccer
Olwethu Makhanya named in South Africa preliminary squad
Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya was named in the South Africa National Team’s preliminary squad for the March window. This is a new achievement for the 21-year-old center back, who has yet to earn a senior international appearance.
Makhanya, who has been capped for South Africa at U20 and U23 levels, had a breakout season in 2025. After struggling for first team minutes under Jim Curtin, Makhanya earned the trust of Bradley Carnell, a fellow South African who earned 42 senior caps. While the selection by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos shows Makhanya is on the radar, Makhanya may have to wait longer for his first appearance. The squad selected by Broos is a 38-member preliminary squad that will be trimmed down to 23 players before the team arrives in South Africa.
South Africa will play two matches on home soil in late March, both against Concacaf member nation Panama. The matches are the last scheduled games for South Africa until the World Cup begins in June. Provided Makhanya is selected for the final March roster, he will look to impress Broos in hopes to be selected on the World Cup roster.
The selection may represent a change in philosophy for head coach Hugo Broos, who notably criticized the level of MLS in late 2025. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, a 20-year-old center back for Orlando Pirates, signed for Chicago Fire, and the Belgian Broos expressed his discontent to media. Broos wished that Mbokazi challenged himself with a move “to a bigger competition…European competition” and used Vincent Kompany’s early career move to the Bundesliga as an
example. Makhanya is one of three MLS players on the preliminary South Africa squad, alongside Mbokazi himself and Minnesota’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Makhanya and the Union will be back in action on Tuesday night in the Concacaf Champions Cup, facing Club América at 7 pm. Makhanya will be returning to the squad following his red card suspension, looking to defeat the record CCC champions and avenge the Union’s 2021 defeat to the Mexican juggernauts.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a preliminary squad for the two international friendly matches against Panama later this month. #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @adidasZA @adidasfootball @CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @flysaa @SABC_Sport @SouthernSunGrp pic.twitter.com/xgTHibejLl
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 9, 2026
