Kaizer Chiefs youngster Naledi Hlongwane has had a taste of senior football with Amakhosi already this season.
Hlongwane made his Betway Premiership debut in Chiefs’ first game of the season away to Stellenbosch FC.
Hlongwane made his senior Chiefs debut
Chiefs went on to win that game 2-0 and Hlongwane was given the big responsibility of leading the line. This would’ve come as just reward for the effort he was putting in at training as well as pre-season abroad. Before that, his name was already echoing loudly in the corridors of Naturena. The 20-year-old was known for his prolific goal scoring at DDC level.
Last season he finished as the second top goal scorer in the division, leading Chiefs to the title. A season before, he had already shown his magic in front of goal. This as Hlongwane scored a brace in a Carling Champions Cup game against Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium. But the youngster from Vaal was already known back home and revealed his come up with Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng.
Speaking to journalists at the Chiefs DDC side’s European tour departure, Hlongwane stated that Pirates star Mofokeng inspires him.
Draws inspiration from Pirates star Mofokeng
“I would say it’s Relebohile Mofokeng [who inspires me], because we used to play together in primary. We grew up together, playing like…he was in another primary and I was in another one. So, we were rivals. So, I could say he’s the one who made me push myself cause I was like, ‘This guy we were playing together and now he is in the first team of Pirates, playing regularly’. I could say that it made me push myself to the limit. So, he’s the one I’d say he inspires me now cause I grew up with him and I know the struggle with him. So, he’s the one who made me push myself to want to also play for Kaizer Chiefs first team.” Hlongwane said as per iDiski Times.
Chiefs and Pirates fans, are you happy to see the young boys still pushing each other despite the rivalry? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.