MLS outfit Minnesota United seem to have a serious player on their hands in Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
The 22-year-old former Maritzburg United forward is enjoying the form of his life in the MLS, finding the back of the net with relative ease.
The Loons, as Minnesota United are affectionately known, seem to have found a gem in the South African attacker.
Hlongwane has been their best player so far this season, scoring six goals in 14 appearances in all competitions.
The Bafana star has been on target in the Loons last two matches on the spin, scoring the winning goals in both matches.
On Sunday morning, Hlongwane netted the winner in a league clash against Portland Timbers at Providence Park.
The Pietermaritzburg-born star had perviously scored the winning goal in another 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo just a few days prior.
Hlongwane has been an ever present threat in the Loons attack this season with his coach Adrian Heath tipping him to finish the season with 25 goals.
Heath was not worried by Hlongwane’s slow start to life in the MLS last season which saw him score just two goals in 29 appearances.
“If he can start putting goals and end product to the energy that he brings to the group, then we’ll have a serious player on our hands,” Heath said at the time.
Hlongwane has done just that, and is currently the leading goals scorer for the clubs with his six goals in all competitions this season.
He will hope to add to that tally when they face Dynamo in the US Open Cup at the PNC Stadium on Wednesday.
NJABULO BLOM FINDING HIS FEET
Meanwhile, Hlongwane’s compatriot Njabulo Blom is also beginning to find his feet in the MLS with his side St Louis City.
The former Kaizer Cheifs star started for City and lasted 78 minutes as they thumped Sporting Kensas City 4-0 at City Park on Sunday morning.
Blom, who has struggled with injuries and illness since joining City, is now beginning to play consistently and command a starting berth.
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