South Africans showing their class in MLS

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Oct 28, 2025. 15:00

Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Olwethu Makhanya both impressed in the MLS this season, receiving significant minutes and helping their respective teams secure qualification for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

While his goal contributions have not been out of this world, Hlongwane has been a main fixture in the Minnesota United team, playing all 34 of the club’s regular season games. The winger bagged three goals and two assists to help his side qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs with the fourth best record in the Western Conference.

21-year-old Olwethu Makhanya was a mainstay in the Philadelphia Union defence this season, with the young centre back making 29 regular season appearances under South African head coach Bradley Carnell.

Philadelphia Union won the Supporters Shield, having the best regular season record of all MLS teams.

Both Hlongwane and Makhanya secured wins on penalties in the first games of their respective playoff series against the Seattle Sounders and the Chicago Fire. Both players now face their opponents away from home in the second games of their best of three series.

Neither player was selected to represent South African, but Hlongwane was named in Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’ 45-member preliminary squad for the nation’s final two FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October. He was, however, not selected for the final squad.

Born on 30 April 2004, Makhanya did not meet the age requirement to represent South Africa’s U-20 side, Amajita, at either the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in May or the U-20 FIFA World Cup in September and October.

Both players will be looking to prove their worth and quality ahead of South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, with the tournament being played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

By Nic Gleeson