Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya has been selected to represent South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Manager Hugo Broos officially announced his 26-man squad after hosting a brief camp with the preliminary roster in Johannesburg. Â
Before departing for the trip, while sitting on the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, Makhanaya shared what the call-up would mean to him.
You're heading to the final South Africa camp before the World Cup as part of the preliminary roster. How did this come to be? How did you find out?
I got a text two weeks ago, from one of the guys that works in the national team, and they were just basically asking for my documents. Then, a week ago, they called me telling me that I have to report in on Monday for camp.
Now, just like that, you have a chance to fight for a spot on the World Cup roster. Safe to say you're pretty excited?
Yeah, it is exciting. It's an opportunity that I've been working very hard for, hoping that it could come. Now that it's finally here, it's an opportunity for me to go there and try to showcase myself.
What would it mean to you to earn a spot on this World Cup roster and compete for you country on this sport's biggest stage?
Honestly, it would be one of my biggest dreams come true. It's the biggest tournament in the game, and to be part of it representing my country, it would mean a lot. Also just for myself, it would just to show me how far I've come in the game.Â
What is your earliest memory of watching South Africa play in the World Cup as a kid?
I was really young at that time, but I still remember a little bit. The city was so busy, it was all about football everywhere. Actually, I was able to go to one of the games there with my father, and for me, at that time, I thought it was a normal thing. Now, I realize how special it was.
What does football mean to South Africa?
Football back home is the number one sport. Everybody loves football, every kid growing up, from wherever, dreams to play this game and play professionally.
Are there any South African players you looked up to when you were a little kid, and thought, "Yeah, I want to be like that guy"?
Yeah, I did. I did have a couple of guys that inspired me growing up, One of them happened to be Mashamaite. He used to play for Kaiser Chiefs, one of the big clubs back home, so I looked up to him a lot growing up.
Just a short time ago, you were playing with the second team, then had an outstanding 2025 season, which ended in lifting the Supporters' Shield. Now, you're getting looked at for a spot to play in the World Cup. Is it hard to wrap your head around how far you've come since arriving in Philly?
It is crazy, you know? Two years ago I was at the second team, and now everything is just unfolding like this. It's just really big things happening for me.
If you were able to make the World Cup roster, what is one thing you'd be looking forward to most about the experience?
Just competing at the highest level, being able to match up with the big names, embracing the pressure, and doing the best I can for the nation.
