Stellenbosch FC defender Olwethu Makhanya is the latest PSL rising star to secure a move to the Major Soccer League in the USA.
Stellies revealed on Tuesday that the 19-year-old has signed with Philadelphia Union for an undisclosed fee.
Makhanya follows in the footsteps of Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United ] and Njabulo Blom [St. Louis City SC ]. Cassius Mailula is another South African player set to be unveiled in the US in the next few days.
OLWETHU MAKHANYA SEAL MOVE TO MLS SIDE
Amongst his achievements, Makhanya became the club’s youngest-ever DStv Premiership goalscorer. He also won the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament award.
The DStv Diski Challenge graduate also made 24 appearances for the club across all competitions. He also earned a call-up to represent South Africa at U-23 level during last year’s CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville.
“As a club, we are incredibly proud to see Olwethu join Philadelphia Union and have no doubt that he will make a huge success of his time abroad,” said Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie.
STELLENBOSCH PROUD OF HISTORIC DEAL
“Stellenbosch FC has made a commitment to providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and towards creating a clear pathway for them to build successful careers as professional footballers.
“To see a young player like Olwethu use that platform to earn a transfer to one of the most competitive leagues in the world is a source of great pride for the club, and we hope it will serve as inspiration for others looking to follow in his footsteps,” he said.
Makhanya is the club’s first export to the United States of America from Stellenbosch.
Stellies have already lost Junior Mendieta who has since joined DStv Premiership Champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Nigeria Youth international Ibraheem Jabaar is another player who has left the club. He has joined Israel side Maccabi Petah Tikva.
RELATED STORY: Cassius Mailula set to join a North American club
