Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane has earned plaudits for his impact in Major League Soccer in his second season with Minnesota United FC.
The South African winger has been a key contributor to the Loons’ success in 2023, scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.
The impressive tally comes after a modest debut season in 2022. Hlongwane has exploded into life in 2023, adding seven assists to his tally in all competitions for Minnesota United.
The Bafana Bafana International was competing for the MSL League Cup’s Golden Boot with Lionel Messi at some point in the season.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s impact has not gone unnoticed, with the 23-year-old earning plaudits from his club, Minnesota United.
HLONGWANE EARNS PRAISE FOR STELLAR MLS SEASON
“No one had a better year than Bongi [Bongokuhle Hlongwane]. Even if you only watched him for a few minutes last season, it was clear that this guy had bags of potential,” said Minnesota in a statement.
“In 2023, he reached into those bags and pulled out one heck of a season. Between MLS, League Cup, and US Open Cup, Hlongwane had a hand in 24 goals. He scored 17 himself and provided seven assists to boot.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Mzansi Affair: Bafana Bafana stars clash in the MLS
“That means he was responsible in some way for nearly 40% of his team’s goals this year. 40%! What a year from the pacey Bafana Bafana winger, who added not only a scoring touch.
“But also the kind of composure on the ball that suggests this is only the beginning,” the club concluded.
Hlongwane is one of the key players at Bafana. He is expected to play a key role in the national team’s quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He’ll also be fighting to be selected to play in the AFCON, set to be staged in Ivory next year.