South African defender Olwethu Makhanya delivered a composed and commanding performance as he scored in Philadelphia Union’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round tie on Wednesday.
Makhanya’s contribution came in the 64th minute, when he rose highest to power home a corner — the Union’s third goal of the evening in Port of Spain. The strike effectively extinguished any hopes of a comeback and underlined the gulf in quality between the sides.
The result leaves Philadelphia in full control ahead of next week’s return leg on home soil, where progression to the round of 16 appears a formality. Awaiting them would be Mexican giants Club América, a fixture that would significantly raise the competitive bar.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier club competition across North America and the Caribbean, mirrors the prestige and structure of continental tournaments such as the CAF and UEFA Champions Leagues. Notably, this year’s champion will secure qualification for the 2029 Club World Cup — adding long-term strategic value to every round.
For Makhanya, the goal was further evidence of his growing influence within Bradley Carnell’s system. The 21-year-old centre-back, who joined Philadelphia from Stellenbosch more than two years ago, played a consistent role as the Union topped last season’s MLS regular-season standings. Under Carnell — himself a former Bafana Bafana fullback — Philadelphia have prioritised structure, pressing intensity and defensive aggression, attributes that align with Makhanya’s profile.
Despite his domestic consistency and continental exposure, Makhanya has yet to earn recognition from South Africa head coach Hugo Broos, a notable omission given his upward trajectory and increasing responsibility at club level.
Philadelphia now shift focus to the start of the new Major League Soccer campaign, beginning with an away fixture against DC United in Washington this weekend. Attention will then quickly return to continental duties, where the second leg against Defence Force should confirm their passage — and set up a marquee clash that could define the early rhythm of their season.
