Newly-appointed Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell says Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane should consider remaining in the MLS for now.
Hlongwane has entered the final year of his contract at Minnesota United after the club activated their one-year option on his deal in December and will be a free agent at the end of this year.
The club is believed to be keen to tie him down to a longer deal but the player has not decided yet amid interest from Bundesliga clubs.
South African coach Carnell, who joined Philadelphia this week, has weighed in on Hlongwane’s situation, saying the forward is free to choose to stay in the MLS or move to Europe, but he feels the American league would suit him for now.
Carnell says MLS is a ‘beast on its own’
“I don’t know what Bongi wants right now if he is ready to be in new surroundings. Does he want that? to take on that challenge?” Carnel posed while speaking to FARPost.
“Sometimes, we should not disregard the league. We don’t know what is going to happen. With the World Cup coming to America, there will be movement.
“The league is very competitive and very demanding. It’s a very unique league. There have been a lot of players from abroad, a lot of coaches from abroad and it hasn’t really worked out in their favour.
“So, this league is a beast on its own, just talking of the weather, the travel, the budgets, rules and restrictions. There are so many things you have to master as a player, you just don’t have to play.”
Hlongwane advised to stay in America
Carnell believes Hlongwane can get his rewards for staying and developing further in the US before taking on a new challenge in Europe.
“If you can excel here and shine here, I think it can be rewarding. The salaries are getting better and better every year. If you can develop to be a consistent performer in this league, you can get really well rewarded,” he added.
“I think that’s one thing about developing too quickly, you can jump to the next thing or you progress slowly. Look at Xabi Alonso, he could have gone to big clubs in Europe, but he chose to stay and continue. I admire that.”
Hlongwane is among key players for Minnesota and played 35 games last season, scoring 11 games while providing four assists.
