Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender wins big MLS award

Bradley Carnell, a former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender, has been crowned the 2025 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year after a remarkable debut season with the Philadelphia Union.

Appointed in January, Carnell orchestrated a stunning turnaround, lifting the Union from 23rd place in 2024 to clinching the Supporters’ Shield in 2025.

Under his leadership, Philadelphia amassed 66 points (20-8-6), a 29-point improvement from the previous season, and finished with the league’s best defensive record, conceding just 35 goals and losing only once at home (12-1-4).

The 48-year-old succeeded Jim Curtin, who previously earned Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2022.

Carnell’s efforts earned him 37.78% of the vote, outpacing Vancouver Whitecaps’ Jesper Sorensen (26.53%) and San Diego FC’s Mikey Varas (19.82%).

CARNELL PLAYING CAREER

Before his coaching rise, Carnell was a fixture in South Africa’s national team. He earned 42 caps between 1997 and 2010, playing as a left-back and center-back.

His international career highlights include representing South Africa at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, where he featured in all three group stage matches.

Known for his defensive discipline and tactical awareness, Carnell also played in the African Cup of Nations and was part of the squad during South Africa’s transitional football era.

His club career spanned top teams in South Africa and Germany, including Kaizer Chiefs, VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Karlsruher SC.