Young ballers from Mzansi are making notable moves to the Major Soccer League (MLS).

The latest of these signings being Olwethu Makhanya who was signed by Philadelphia Union from DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch FC.

The 19-year-old player’s contract will last until 2025, with the option to extend for two more years.

The sporting director of the Philadelphia Union, Ernst Tanner, expressed excitement about the signing, praising Makhanya’s athletic abilities and versatility as a centre back in both a back four line and a back three.

🚨 Welcome to Philly, Olwethu!

Philadelphia Union announced they have signed defender Olwethu Makhanya from Stellenbosch FC as the club’s first Under-22 Initiative signing.

📝 https://t.co/NKKHLbIBIM#DOOP | @primepoint pic.twitter.com/bYOtiLTXwj

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 18, 2023

Tanner stated that Makhanya’s instincts on the field align well with the team’s aggressive style of play, and they are eagerly looking forward to his arrival at the club.

“We’re excited to have signed Olwethu as the club’s first Under-22 Initiative signing. In a short amount of time, he rose from a second team player at his club, to earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year in the DStv Premiership,” Tanner said in a press release.

Makhanya follows the likes of 20-year-old Aphelele Teto (TS Galaxy FC to Livingston FC), 23-year-old Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs to St Louis City SC) and 23-year-old Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United to Minnesota Utd) to the MLS.