Forge Triggers Owolabi-Belewu Option

Hamilton’s Forge FC holds a club option on six players, with the CPL side making a decision on one today.

The hammers have exercised their option on defender Malik Owolabi-Belewu, securing the defender for a fourth season in orange.

The 22-year-old is coming fresh from his most busy campaign with Forge, where he took to the pitch thirty times under Bobby Smyrniotis. He notched two goals this year, including the winner in the playoff semi-final over Atletico Ottawa.

Having now represented Forge 73 times – and featured in three straight league finals, two of which he won – the former TFC Academy prospect continues to be showing that he operates on an even higher ceiling than what we’ve seen so far.

Born in London, England, the young centre-back had trialed with the Whitecaps Academy before landing in Toronto FC’s. He had featured for Italian side SPAL at the U-19 level, but never got consistent minutes until Smyrniotis brought him into the fold back in 2022.

His return means Forge now has seven confirmed players for 2025 following its end of season roster update, with defender Dominic Samuel departing and rumours swirling that Costa Rican full-back Keysher Fuller will sign on.

It’s also unclear if left-back Daniel Parra, whom Malik showed versatility to fill-in for on the left flank during a suspension, will return on loan given Atlas’s move to sign him.

Forge will be back in action this spring in continental action against CF Monterrey.