Former Bafana Bafana defender Bradley Carnell has been named the new head coach of The Philadelphia Union in the United States.
The 47-year-old Carnell guided St Louis City SC through to a successful expansion season in 2023 — with a record of won 17, drawn 12 and lost five, and had won three and drawn seven of 20 games in 2024 before he was dismissed on 1 July.
The South African also previously served as interim head coach of the New York Red Bulls.
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“Bradley has the attributes we were looking for in a manager and the experience needed as we commit to getting back to our identity as a team,” said Ernst Tanner, Sporting Director of Union. “With knowledge of both MLS and international markets, he is tactically astute and aligned with our sporting strategy. His approach emphasises a high-press style of play while organising a structured defence. Additionally, he shares the club’s vision for developing players. We are confident he will bring a clear sporting philosophy that elevates the team and delivers a competitive season.”
Carnell replaces Jim Curtin, a twice Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award winner. Curtin was fired on 7 November after the Union finished 12th in the 15-team Eastern Conference in 2024 and missed the play-offs.
