Philadelphia Union Defender Olwethu Makhanya (Credit Image: © Kyle Rodden/Cal Sport Media)
Friday Feb 20, 2026. 13:58
Philadelphia Union’s Olwethu Makhanya, and head coach Bradley Carnell, began their season with a bang on Thursday, defeating Defence Force FC 5-0 in the first leg of their first round CONCACAF Champions Cup clash at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Last season’s MLS Supporters Shield winners, the team with the best season in the regular season, began the continental competition in style, taking a 2-0 lead into half time in Trinidad and Tobago.
Makhanya, who plays as a centre back, netted The Union’s third goal of the game in the 64th minute with a header from a corner.
The 21-year-old moved into the centre of the box unmarked and rose above the defence to put the ball past Defence Force goalkeeper Isaiah Williams.
The Durban native was instrumental in Philadelphia Union’s table topping season last year, making 37 appearances and scoring three goals. Their season ended with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to New York City in the eastern conference semifinals.
Carnell, who registered 42 international caps for Bafana Bafana and took charge of the team last January, will be hoping to keep the momentum going as his side begins their MLS campaign against D.C. United at the Audi Field in Washington DC on Sunday.
Makhanya will be looking to keep his good run of form going as he looks to be included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in June and July.
By Nic Gleeson