Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s improvement detailed

FARPost caught up with Sandile ‘AK47’ Ndlovu, the former Swallows forward who previously worked with Bongokuhle Hlongwane, to discuss how the 22-year-old’s game has evolved since his move to the MLS. 

Hlongwane moved to Minnesota United on the 5th of January 2022 on a three-year deal. His first season yielded two goals and five assists.

That his club appreciates him is an understatement. The Bafana Bafana international has benefited immensely from Coach Adrian Heath’s tutelage.

His quick second-half brace for Bafana against Mozambique bore a testament to how much his game has improved.

Here’s how Ndlovu believes his game has improved. 

GAME-CHANGING PACE PUT TO GOOD USE

It’s common knowledge that the man nicknamed ‘Saniza’ is blessed with explosive pace. But exactly nine months after making the switch to Minnesota, he looks to combine and build with his teammates. Where in the past he would burst forward on the touchline, against Mozambique, he would often keep possession, check inside, look for pockets of space, and release the ball. 

“His game has improved, and I think to do the things he does comes from a newfound confidence,” Ndlovu tells FARPost.

INTELLIGENT MOVEMENT

During his days at Maritzburg, Hlongwane exhibited raw talent and massive potential that needed some excellent coaching. Clearly, Heath has done a fantastic job with him.

It’s well documented that in 2020, Maritzburg coach Ernst Middendorp expressed unhappiness with his lack of positional discipline. 

In fact, in a previous interview, Hlongwane told FARPost that the German gave him a harsh dressing-down.

Two years later, his clever movements and pace are why he scored both goals on Thursday night at Mbombela Stadium to save Bafana the blushes.

“In South Africa, midfielders don’t pass, but what helps his runs improve is that he gets the ball [at Minnesota]. Here he would do runs and not get the ball. At Minnesota, they value him, and they pass him.” 

HIS PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

In the post-match press conference, Bafana coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the improvement in Hlongwane’s physical attributes.

“ Bongokuhle is a very dangerous man. He is fast and has more power since he started playing in America,” Broos told journalists.

“You can see his body. He tells me he goes to the gym two times a week. This is how modern football is.

“You need power. Not that you need to have big legs and arms, but power when you run.

“When Bongokuhle is sprinting, you see power. And therefore, I chose him for this game and not [Kgaogelo] Sekgota,” the coach said.

DECISION MAKING

A few times on Thursday, when he beat his opponents and got into dangerous attacking positions, his deliveries demonstrated how his decision-making improved.

Not just that. He seems to know when to cut inside when to make a simple pass to a central midfielder, when to pick out a cross to a forward, and when to shoot himself.

PRESSING

When Bafana lost possession, his actions suggested he was aware that putting pressure on opposition defenders in advanced areas is essential. 

It is an element Ndlovu believes he has always had in his game.

“He can trackback from attack to his team’s 18-yard box. He’s a hard worker, which is why he would survive anywhere in the world. He has a fighting spirit.” 

OOZING CONFIDENCE

Repeatedly, Ndlovu points out that the talented winger oozes confidence. He is in a good place. The reaction from Minnesota United fans on the club’s Twitter handle tells you why he feels appreciated. He knows he is loved and cherished, which his former mentor, Ndlovu, is convinced contributes to his confidence.

He trusts himself…He is mature; he is in a good space. It was a good step in his career.

“He trusts himself. He is mature; he is in a good space. It was a good step in his career. For any footballer, knowing you’re in an environment where you are loved and appreciated goes a long way,” he said.

RELATED STORY: How ‘AK47’ launched Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s career