Major Soccer League (MLS) club Philadelphia Union have exercised their option to keep South African defender, Olwethu Makhanya.

The decision comes as no surprise given the 21-year-old’s great season in the United States of America (USA).

“Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has exercised the contract option for defender Olwethu Makhanya, securing him through the 2026 and 2027 MLS seasons,” confirmed Union.

“Olwethu had a standout year in his first full MLS season. Proving himself to be an important piece of our backline, he has demonstrated maturity, consistency, and leadership at just 21 years old,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach, Bradley Carnell, who also hails from South Africa.

“His rapid development is a clear indication of how high his ceiling can be, and we believe he will continue to develop and make a significant impact going forward with the club.”

This year, the former Stellenbosch center back made an immediate impact in the MLS, earning his first appearance, start, goal, and trophy with the Union.

After two seasons playing with Union II and reaching the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, he started 23 of 29 first-team matches and logged 2,145 minutes this year.

He led the team with 45 clearances, won 64.3 percent of aerial duels, and helped the Union defence record 14 clean sheets while conceding just 35 goals, the league’s best. His lone goal, a game-winner against Montreal on 16 July, was an early highlight in the Union’s Supporters’ Shield-winning season.

Makhanya finished the regular season being voted at number 13 on the MLS 2025 Under-22 list and has been integral in helping the Union advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2025 Audi MLS playoffs.