Hlongwane jetting off to the States
Maritzburg United can confirm that the 21-year-old
Pietermaritzburg born striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has officially signed a
three year contract with American MLS Team, Minnesota United.
Hlongwane made his professional debut at the age of 18 for the Team of Choice after a meteoric rise through the Club’s junior structures.
He has since featured in 56 games for the professional team and has eight goals and seven assists to his name. He scored his first pro goal in June of 2019 against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
Hlongwane was nominated for the South African Premier Division Young Player of the Season award in two consecutive seasons, 2019/20 and 2020/ 21.
His performances for the Team of Choice continued to build his reputation and it was only a matter of time that the youngster received a call up to the senior national team.
Hlongwane made his national team debut in 2019 and has two goals in six appearances. He scored his first international goal in 2021 against Uganda and scored the game-winning goal against Ghana in a World Cup Qualifier.
"It's been a pleasure to witness Bongokuhle’s growth both as a player and as a young man since he was identified and recruited into the Club's Youth structures 4 years ago," Maritzburg United Chairman Farook Kadodia commented.
"He has flourished into a world class Striker and it's credit to Bongokuhle that he has made the most of his opportunities and also to our coaches for helping him on his path.
"Such has been the quality and consistency of his performances that it was not a surprise that the club had received a number of offers both locally and internationally for him, however the player has always had his heart set on playing abroad and this opportunity presents him with an exciting new challenge to test himself in a highly competitive environment.
"Bongokhule’s family also believed that this opportunity will assist their son’s ambition of competing and gaining experience both as a footballer and youngster in new surroundings. With the MLS kicking off in February, it was not possible to delay the move to the end of this season as we as a club would have preferred,” Kadodia continued.
"As much as it will sadden us to see him go, especially at this crucial stage of the current DSTV Premiership season, we are proud to see him embark on a new chapter in his career and we thank him for his efforts with Maritzburg and wish him all the best for his career at club and international level" concluded Kadodia.
