Bafana Bafana forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane has been given a contract extension by Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.
Hlongwane has impressed in the United States since joining The Loons from Maritzburg United in 2022.
In his initial season with the club, he finished with two goals in all competition, and that went up to 17 in his second, which was the most by any player at the club. In the 2023 Leagues Cup, he scored seven goals for his club, and finished second in the competition's goalscoring charts behind global football icon Lionel Messi.
The club has announced its roster decisions following the conclusion of the 2024 season. To all the departing players who wore the Black & Blue, thank you 🩵
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) November 27, 2024
Once a Loon, always a Loon.
📰 » https://t.co/IEyXVGzf3i pic.twitter.com/GiBDO7qrfT
He was also the club's top goalscorer in the MLS season's that's just completed with 11 goals in all competitions.
In a statement on their website on Thursday, the club said: “Minnesota United announced today its roster decisions following the conclusion of the club’s 2024 Major League Soccer season.
“MNUFC exercised the contract options for goalkeepers Alec Smir and Dayne St. Clair, defenders Morris Duggan, Anthony Markanich Jr. and Devin Padelford. Midfielders are Hassani Dotson, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Sam Shashoua, and forward Tani Oluwaseyi.”
Minnesota will be hoping to go further next season. This year, they reached the playoffs but were beaten 6-2 by the LA Galaxy in the Western Conference semi-finals. Minnesota United is under the tutelage of former Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay.
Despite Hlongwane's impressive form in the United, he has not been able to get into Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana squad. Hlongwane played the last of his 15 caps for the national team last year, and missed out on representing the country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
So far this year, he has yet to feature in a Bafana Bafana jersey.
IOL Sport