Pawel Szynalik Chief Financial Officer | Chicago Fire FC Website
Pawel Szynalik Chief Financial Officer | Chicago Fire FC Website
Chicago Fire FC II has announced the signing of Geni Kanyane, a 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick, to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. The club selected Kanyane with the 63rd overall pick. His contract extends through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. Financial details were not disclosed.
"We are happy to welcome Geni to Chicago," stated Alex Boler, General Manager of Chicago Fire FC. "He certainly fits the mold of the type of player we want to see at the Club with his athleticism, his personality, his natural defending ability and his ability to get forward. We see his potential at left back and believe that he can make a positive impact on the team while continuing to develop in our environment."
Kanyane is a defender who played for the University of Dayton, where he accumulated 4,292 career minutes. He scored four goals and provided seven assists during his tenure. His contributions helped Dayton achieve a historic season, reaching as high as No. 5 nationally and earning a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. He follows in the footsteps of other University of Dayton players selected by Chicago Fire: Denny Clanton (38th overall in 2004), Chris Rolfe (29th overall in 2005), and Dasan Robinson (supplemental round in 2006).
Internationally, Kanyane has represented South Africa's U-20 Men's National Team and was part of the squad that won the 2018 U-20 Cosafa Cup.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signed defender Geni Kanyane to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025 with a Club option for 2026.
Name: Geni Kanyane
Position: Defender
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Date of Birth: September 19, 2001
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Citizenship: South Africa
Previous Club: University of Dayton
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