Fresh after qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Bafana Bafana stars Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Njabulo Blom are set to clash in the MLS.
While Blom missed the back-to-back AFCON qualifiers against Liberia, Hlongwane played a part in both games.
His club did not release Blom as he was reportedly ill, while Hlongwane started at home before coming on as a substitute in Monrovia.
Bafana drew 2-2 in the first leg before winning 2-1 away to secure a place in the AFCON finals hosted by Ivory Coast in January next year.
But on Sunday, all focus shifts to club football for the two stars, with Bongokuhle Hlongwane arriving in Minnesota on Thursday after flying straight from Monrovia.
Blom hopes to return to the St Louis City starting line up as they take on Minnesota United.
Kick-off for the much-awaited encounter is 02h30 [SA time].
Following Njabulo Blom’s move from Chiefs in December, this will be the first time the two South Africans meet in the MLS.
Hlongwane, formerly with Maritzburg United, is in his second season with Minnesota.
It will be a proper Mzansi Affair, with Blom’s coach Bradley Carnell, a former Bafana defender.
Carnell has done exceptionally well in his first season in the MLS, guiding the team to a hundred percent winning record so far. After five games played, St Louis have won all their fixtures.
They accounted for Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Portland Timbers, SJ Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake.
On the other hand, Minnesota have an indifferent form book, having won twice in five attempts.
“It would be nice for us to be the first team to beat St Louis City this season. It’s also exciting to come up against my national teammate,” Hlongwane was quoted as saying.
Hlongwane has started his season very well, scoring one goal so far and winning two man-of-the-match awards in the opening five games.
Two weeks ago, he was on target in their 1-1 draw with New York Red Bull.
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