Philadelphia Union coach Ryan Richter has broken his silence on Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya’s absence as the player pushes for a move to Europe.
Makhanya has not returned to training with The Union since Bafana exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the end of June. He was an unused substitute in all of South Africa’s four games against Mexico, the Czech Republic, South Korea and Canada.
The 22-year-old made his break into the national side and debuted in an international friendly match against Nicaragua in the run-up to the World Cup in May. But before the global football showpiece, transfer talk around him flared up.
He was linked with a move to “a top Belgian club,” but Philadelphia Union are said to have rejected an offer for the centre-back. FARPost now understands that Scottish giants Rangers FC have enquired about Makhanya, but nothing has materialised.
RICHTER ON OLWETHU MAKHANYA’S ABSENCE AFTER WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN WITH BAFANA BAFANA
In trying to push for a move away from The Union, Makhanya has not reported for training. The Major League Soccer outfit is preparing for the resumption of its season at home against New York Red Bulls on Thursday.
During Monday’s press conference, Richter came out to answer why Makhanya has been missing from the group that is gearing up for the Red Bulls clash.
“I have worked with Olwethu since he first joined the club, and we have a good personal relationship,” said Richter. “But right now, he is away from the club for personal reasons, and we will leave it at that for now.”
Makhanya has been with The Union since July 2023, when he joined them from Stellenbosch FC. He has established himself as a key player for the MLS team and, in the process, attracted interest from Europe.
His performances also did not go unnoticed by Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who finally included him in his World Cup squad after ignoring the central defender in several FIFA international breaks.
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