Makhanya reveals challenge SA players face in the US MLS

Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya has pointed out the challenge that South African players often face in the USA Major League Soccer [MLS].

Makhanya made a switch from the Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC to Philadelphia in July 2023 after an impressive spell with the Cape Winelands side.

The 20-year-old ball-playing centre-back has been playing for Philadelphia’s second team before breaking into the first team this season.

He enjoyed a strong start, featuring in all of their first four matches of the campaign. However, a red card in a 3-1 loss against Nashville led to a suspension, causing him to miss their subsequent game against Njabulo Blom’s St. Louis CITY.

Talking from what he has seen, Makhanya feels that South African talent is on par with that in the MLS. However, he notes that SA players often encounter a significantly higher work rate when playing in the MLS, which he describes as faster and more tactical than the Betway Premiership.

MAKHANYA – WHAT’S DIFFERENT BETWEEN PSL AND MLS

“I would say the difference is definitely not the talent,” said Makhanya during an interview with FARPost. “I feel like South Africans have the talent, but the only challenge we experience is the work rate because it is just different and is very high.

“The intensity of the league, the speed and all that. That would be the challenge, I feel like the game is more faster this side. It’s very more tactical than back home. So, this side, it’s just more detailed, and they work way harder than players back home.”

Including Makhanya, three players represent South Africa in the MLS.

The midfielder Katlego Ntsabeleng plays for Dallas, having joined them in 2022. Bongokuhle Hlongwane, the striker, turns out for Minnesota United and has also been with them since 2022.

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