In his first season leading the Philadelphia Union, former Bafana Bafana star Bradley Carnell earned the SIGI SCHMID MLS Coach of the Year award.
United States (25 November 2025) – A spectacular season it’s been for Bradley Carnell, the former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender, as he makes his mark as head coach of Philadelphia Union. In a debut campaign that has captured attention across Major League Soccer, Bradley has been named the SIGI SCHMID MLS Coach of the Year.
Bradley led the Union to their third MLS regular-season crown, finishing the season with 20 wins, six draws, and just eight losses, topping the league table with 66 points. The team scored 57 goals while conceding 35.
Voted for by MLS technical staff, media, and current players, the award reflects Bradley’s immediate and outstanding impact. Tasked with stabilising a squad that finished 23rd the previous season, he transformed the Union into league leaders, guiding them to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
South African defender Olwethu Makhanya also played a key role in the Union’s triumph. This further highlights the talent coming out of South Africa and its growing influence on the global football stage. Together, Bradley and Olwethu have made history, giving South African football fans plenty to cheer about this year.
With this season’s achievements, Coach Bradley has firmly cemented his reputation as one of MLS’s top coaches and set the bar high for seasons to come.
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