Terrific Hlongwane gets his first MLS goal

Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane finally opened his MLS account with a cracker of a goal in Minnesota’s 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo.

After starting the last four games – and 10 of 21 – he was still awaiting his first MLS celebration. On Saturday night, that goal came, and it did in style as he was named man-of-the-match after a scintillating performance. It took his tally to four assists after he provided the first goal for Franco Fragapane before coolly slotting his own with the weaker left foot in the 72nd minute. 

Just last week, Loons coach Andrian Heath said he was confident the 22-year-old had goals in him. “We’ve seen him in training, so we know he can score goals. Once he gets one, it’ll make him relax and start playing instinctively rather than overthinking because he wants that first goal so badly,” he told Star Tribune.

The Pietermaritzburg-born star insisted he was “just playing” and not necessarily “thinking about a goal”. The self-effacing winger added he was eager to help Minnesota “go forward” with his speed that adds pace to the Loons’ attack.

Heath praised the South African international for adapting well. “He’s done terrific; I don’t think people realise how difficult it can be to leave the continent where he’s from. He’s incredibly popular with the guys,” he said.

His goal on Sunday was the deciding goal, helping Minnesota extend their unbeaten streak to six. They have five wins and a draw since a 2-1 defeat to Miami on June 25.

Hlongwane joined the MLS outfit in January on a three-year deal, and he has remained steadfast in pursuing his dreams since making the switch to North America.

He was Minnesota’s first signing of the season after being signed under MLS’s new Under 22 initiative after three successful seasons with Maritzburg United. He made his Bafana debut in 2019 and has two goals for the national team so far. 

Bafana coach Hugo Broos is expected to build his team around the talented winger and other young players.

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