South African coach Bradley Carnell and defender Olwethu Makhanya have guided Major League Soccer (MLS) club Philadelphia Union to their 2025 Supporters’ Shield triumph.

The Supporters’ Shield is an annual award given to the MLS team with the best regular season record, as determined by the MLS points system.

With a 1-0 victory against New York City FC over the weekend, Philadelphia Union improved their record to 20 wins, six draws and seven defeats, setting a new club record for total wins in a season.

The team earned the opportunity to lift the shield at home for the second time in club history, accumulating 66 points through 33 matches played.

Carnell has been at the helm since 2 January this year, and as per a Philadelphia report, “the team has maintained consistent success through the entire year, boasting the best defence in MLS with just 33 goals conceded, protecting the home fortress with 12 home wins, and making a statement on the road with a club record of eight away wins.”

Makhanya, who joined Philadelphia from Stellenbosch FC in July 2023, has made 28 appearances out of a possible 33, and the 21-year-old center back is regarded as a future Bafana Bafana player.

Philadelphia Union will finish their 2025 regular season against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 18.