19-year-old star Olwethu Makhanya has adjusted to life in the United States quite comfortably, as he is now one of Mzansi's most stylish footballers abroad. Here's a breakdown of his insane fashion!
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When you make it in life, looking good is always one of the first tell signs. This seems to be exactly the case for Makhanya after he joined Philadelphia Union in July from Stellenbosch FC for a fee of €445k (R8.8 million), according to Transfermarkt. The teenager really impressed at Stellies, as his move to Major League Soccer came after one season with the Western Cape team.
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His development looks to be on an upward trajectory, as he became the first player to be signed under the club's Under-22 Initiative, which "allows MLS clubs to sign up to three young players, age 22 and younger, to lucrative contracts at a reduced budget charge, decreasing the risk associated with acquiring or retaining players who are still approaching their prime," per the MLS official website.
It is quite evident that the youngster has a big future ahead of him and his growing confidence is also turning him into a formidable fashionista. For starters, Philadelphia is a famously artsy city and it is considered the 'Mural Capital of the World' thanks to its more than 4 000 pieces of community-based art throughout the town.
With the likes of Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Kobe Bryant, and Sylvester Stallone all hailing from Philly, Makhanya finds himself in a prosperously ideal place to become a top football star. The centre-back has elevated in terms of drip, as he has been rocking some eye-catching outfits since moving abroad.
One of the standout looks we've seen from him so far is his Champion Rochester 1919 Rochester Camo Cargo two-piece set. According to Amazon, the pants alone is worth a modest £49.82 (R1 135) and South African celebs like Bontle Modiselle and Thabsie have previously been seen wearing the same attire.
On the third frame of the gallery above, Makhanya simply looks elegant on yet another two-piece. The matching white top and bottoms give the player a feel-good look, as it would be a perfect fit at various types of events. There's also a recurring theme worth noting, which is the centre-backs undeniable preference for cargo pants.
Did you know?
According to the MLS Players Association, Makhanya has a 2023 guaranteed annual salary of $188,875 (R3.5 million).
With the prospect of playing against the legendary Lionel Messi now a genuine possibility, the KwaZulu-Natal-born star revealed that the opportunity would be beyond his dreams.
"Yes Messi, this is another reason this move [to MLS] is so unbelievable to me," Makhanya told iDiski Times in August after Messi signed a blockbuster deal with David Beckham co-owned team Inter Miami.
"Growing up we'd all speak about Messi but that one day I'd actually play in the same league as him and fight for the same title with him would be a lie, I swear. You have no idea how excited I am."
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