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The University of Dayton may not be one of the premier soccer programs in the country, but Geni Kanyane believes the Flyers are heading in the right direction.
And that is a big reason why Kanyane, a senior back on the Putnam Science Academy team, decided that Dayton is where he wants to continue his playing career and announced that he has signed his National Letter of Intent to do so.
“As a recruit you need to think about ‘How am I going to impact the team?’” Kanyane said. “Right now, they might not be the best, but how am I going to impact them and make them better?
“(Assistant) coach Alex (Ranalli) said he wants me to be on the pitch as soon as possible. I’m very excited about that.”
Kanyane, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, expects the starting left back position will be his to lose. It was filled this season by a graduating senior.
“Not that I don’t welcome competition,” he said, “but to know that it’s open is a good spot for me right now.
In a statement, Dayton head coach Dennis Currier said: “He is one of the best left backs coming out of the 2020 class. His power and athleticism allow him to threaten opponents from a peripheral position. He is able to break lines on the dribble as well as his excellent passing range. We feel he can make an immediate impact from day one and also has the attributes to be a great leader in the future.”
Kanyane, 5-foot, 8-inches and 165 pounds, put those physical and technical skills on display this season for the Mustangs, helping them to an 8-2 record and Top 10 national ranking. He still hopes to play at levels even beyond college, both professionally in MLS and internationally with the South African National Team.
For now though, his mind is staying at PSA.
“I haven’t even finished the first semester here, so I’m trying to focus on what’s happening now, my grades, those kinds of things,” he said. “I’m more relieved right now. I’ll get more excited when I’m in Dayton. I still have a lot to go through here.”
Kanyane took his visit to Dayton after the season, along with PSA teammate Jesús Barea. Kanyane was hoping the two of them would play together at college, but Barea has signed with Missouri State University. Kanyane won’t be starting from scratch however, as he played in showcase events last year in Orlando, Fla., with a handful of guys who were freshmen on the Flyers this year.
“The facilities were great, the guys on the team created a great atmosphere when we got there,” he said. “It felt like home for me as soon as we met. Familiar faces always make it better too.”
Dayton went 13-8 in 2019, and finished 6-2 in the Atlantic 10. The Flyers were also runners-up in the conference postseason tournament. They have a roster already sprinkled with international flavor, and Kanyane said they are looking to recruit more players from the academies.
“They look like they’re coming up pretty good,” he said. “The coach said he’s really trying to build the team, and (next) year might not be the year, but after that, it looks like it really might be different. I think it’ll be good to be a part of that.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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