Olwethu Makhanya’s special MLS status explained

The teenager concluded a move earlier this week from DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch FC for an undisclosed fee.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Tanner unpacked Makhanya’s grading, which will see him earn a minimum of R2.6-million a year.

"He is our first under-22 initiative signee and that gives him sort of a special status. These are some players who are coming up to a certain amount for the salary cap and you can add some value from our side in terms of cash, money we spend on these players," Tanner said.

The MLS introduced this concept in 2021 to open doors for teams to recruit top young talent without a budget – or any other – constraints.

Makhanya will also earn more the older he gets should he continue to play there.

"I mean this is a certain designation which really elevates him a little bit but at the same time this is the mechanism the league introduced roughly two years ago. This is the mechanism we need to use in particular for top talents from foreign countries," he added.

Tanner clarified reports Makhanya had only signed a two-year contract.

"That's not true in this moment, the MLS system is basically working with options and that means that there are two options in addition to what we mentioned. So, the contract period is a little bit longer."