One-cap All White James Musa has become the latest New Zealander to secure a place in the MLS after agreeing a deal with Sporting Kansas City this week.
It’s been a big week for the 25-year-old who also earned a call-up to the All Whites after Tommy Smith pulled a hamstring and had to withdraw from next month’s FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifers – OFC Stage 3 final.
Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes said Musa has been brought into his ssquad for two purposes.
“He can contribute as a central defender and also a defensive midfielder,”Vermes said.
“We wanted to see if he would adapt to our model of play. I think he’s had a great introduction earlier on with the team and has progressed tremendously throughout the course of the year with the Swope Park Rangers.”
Musa made 18 starts with Swope Park Rangers, Sporting KC’s USL affiliate, and said it’s great to now be in the MLS side.
“I just want to thank obviously Peter, and Mark Jacobs for giving me this opportunity to represent Kansas City,” he said.
Meanwhile All Whites coach Anthony Hudson said Musa, who made his sole appearance for the national side to date in 2014, will be a great addition to the team which will take on Solomon Islands on 1 and 5 September.
“James is a good player, he’s been in our environment before and we’ve been keeping track of him since then,” said Hudson.
“He’s been in touch with me for a long time, we met on our tour of the States and he’s always shown a lot desire to be given a chance and his patience has now paid off. He’s strong, very comfortable on the ball and can play at the back and as a holding midfielder.”