At just 22, Olwethu Makhanya has already made South African football proud.
From Durban to Philadelphia, this article breaks down his net worth, MLS salary, contract details, and everything that has shaped his rapid rise to the top.
Olwethu Makhanya’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olwethu Mpilwenhle Makhanya |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 2004 |
| Age | 22 years old |
| Place of Birth | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 79 kg (174 lbs) |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Current Club | Philadelphia Union (MLS) |
| Jersey Number | 29 |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Turned Professional | 2022 |
| Net Worth | ~$400,000 |
| Base Salary | $300,000 per year |
| Guaranteed Compensation | $338,875 |
| Contract Expires | December 31, 2027 |
Early Life and Career
Olwethu Mpilwenhle Makhanya was born on April 30, 2004, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — a city with a rich footballing culture that has produced numerous South African stars.
Growing up in Durban, Makhanya developed his game with typical South African grit, working his way through youth structures before catching the attention of professional scouts.
He joined Stellenbosch FC’s reserve system, known as the SFC Diski Reserve Team, and developed rapidly.
He graduated from the reserve setup to become the club’s youngest-ever DStv Premiership goalscorer — a remarkable achievement for a teenager in one of Africa’s most competitive domestic leagues.
His breakout moment came during the 2022–23 Nedbank Cup, where he stood out as one of the tournament’s best young performers.
He went on to win the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament award, which announced him to a wider audience across South Africa and beyond.
Makhanya’s idols have shaped how he plays. He has publicly named England international John Stones as one of his footballing role models — a player known for the same composure and ability to carry the ball out from defence that defines Makhanya’s style.
Professional Career
Makhanya made 20 appearances (19 starts) for Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership, registering three clean sheets, averaging 1.7 tackles per game, and making 3.9 clearances per game.
Those numbers caught the eye of MLS clubs scouting talent in Africa’s emerging football markets.
In July 2023, Philadelphia Union moved decisively. They signed Makhanya from Stellenbosch FC on a two-and-a-half-year contract, making him the club’s first-ever player signed under the MLS U-22 Initiative.
The transfer fee stood at €445,000, per Transfermarkt.
He spent the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024 developing with Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro, making 31 combined appearances across both seasons. That patience paid off.
2025 was his true breakthrough year on the MLS main stage. He started 23 of 29 matches, accumulated 2,145 minutes, and contributed to a defence that recorded 14 clean sheets and conceded just 35 goals — the best defensive record in the league.
He also led the team with 45 clearances and won 64.3% of his aerial duels. The Union won the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield, with Makhanya a key part of their title-winning defence.
He formed an elite partnership with MLS All-Star Jakob Glesnes, and was ranked 13th in the league’s prestigious 22 Under 22 rankings.
On the international stage, Makhanya recently made his senior debut for South Africa, starting in a World Cup preparation friendly against Nicaragua, and was selected for Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Olwethu Makhanya’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Olwethu Makhanya’s has an estimated net worth of $400,000.
He built this wealth primarily through his professional contracts in South Africa and the United States.
Contract
Philadelphia Union originally signed Makhanya on a two-and-a-half-year deal running through the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026 and 2027.
Following a contract extension in November 2025, his deal now runs through December 31, 2027. The extension came directly after his standout debut MLS season and the Supporters’ Shield win.
Per Capology’s salary database, Makhanya earns an estimated gross fixed salary of $300,000 for the 2026 season, equating to $5,769 per week, excluding bonuses.
Salary
Makhanya earns $300,000 (approximately R4.9 million) at Philadelphia Union, with guaranteed compensation that can reach $338,875 (approximately R5.5 million).
Prior to his contract extension, he was earning $288,875 per year under the MLS U-22 Initiative. His transition out of the U-22 bracket — which caps player salaries in exchange for roster flexibility — brought the salary upgrade he deserved after his stellar 2025 season.
In the MLS South African salary rankings, Makhanya sits among the better-paid South African players in the league, behind only Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | Stellenbosch FC (PSL) | ~$25,000 (estimated) |
| 2023 | Philadelphia Union / Union II | ~$80,000 (prorated) |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Union II | ~$288,875 |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Union (MLS) | $288,875 |
| 2026 | Philadelphia Union (MLS) | $300,000 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | Stellenbosch FC | DStv Premiership | 20 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | Stellenbosch FC | Nedbank Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Philadelphia Union II | MLS NEXT Pro | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Union II | MLS NEXT Pro | 26 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Union | MLS | 32 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 |
| 2025 | Philadelphia Union | US Open Cup | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | Philadelphia Union | MLS | 13 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2026 | Philadelphia Union | CONCACAF Champions Cup | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
FAQs
What is Olwethu Makhanya’s net worth?
Olwethu Makhanya’s estimated net worth is approximately $400,000. He has earned most of this through his MLS contracts with Philadelphia Union, where he has played since July 2023.
How much does Olwethu Makhanya earn at Philadelphia Union?
He earns a base salary of $300,000 per year, with total guaranteed compensation reaching $338,875, according to the official MLS Players Association salary guide.
When did Olwethu Makhanya join Philadelphia Union?
He signed for Philadelphia Union on July 18, 2023, joining from South African club Stellenbosch FC for a transfer fee of approximately €445,000. He became the club’s first-ever U-22 Initiative signing.
Is Olwethu Makhanya in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad?
Yes. Makhanya earned a call-up to Bafana Bafana’s senior squad and made his debut ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is one of two MLS-based defenders in South Africa’s World Cup squad.
What awards has Olwethu Makhanya won?
He won the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award in 2022/23, earned the DStv Premiership Defensive Rookie of the Year, and was ranked 13th in MLS’s 22 Under 22 rankings in 2025 after helping Philadelphia Union win the Supporters’ Shield.
