The Philadelphia Union signed defender Olwethu Makhanya from South African side Stellenbosch FC to a contract that spans through the 2025 season.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the Union, who hold a club option on Makhanya through the 2027 campaign.
"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," said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union's sporting director.
"He's an athletic, explosive player who is able to play centre back in a back four line, as well as a back three. His instincts on the field fit our aggressive style of play and we look forward to welcoming him to the club."
Makhanya, 19, made 20 appearances (19 starts) with Stellenbosch FC.