Bongokuhle Hlongwane returns to action after injury setback
Bongokuhle Hlongwane returned to action for his Major League Soccer [MLS] side Minnesota United after being sidelined with an injury.
The Bafana Bafana international returned for the first time since September 2022.
The talented frontman started for his side in their 5-4 defeat to FC Dallas on penalties in the MLS Round of 16. The game ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Hlongwane managed to play for 75 minutes on his comeback until he was substituted for Kervin Arriaga in the second stanza.
Despite not finding the back of the net on the day, the former Maritzburg United attacker made a good contribution to his team in his recovery from the injury.
“It was so nice to see him at training all week fit and healthy, and ready to go,” said Minnesota commentator.
He joined Minnesota in January 2022 on a three-year deal with a one-year option.
Since joining the MLS side, the South African striker has played 33 games across all competitions.
Hlokgwane boasts 10 Bafana Bafana caps and has scored two goals in the process, having made his international debut back in July 2019 after coming in as a substitute during their 3-2 defeat to neighbours Lesotho in a friendly match.
The Nxamalala-born footballer previously play for Nxamalala Fast XI competing in the KwaZulu-Natal Regional League before joining the Team of Choice‘s academy.
In April 2019, the 22-year-old made his professional debut for his ex-club in a 1-0 loss to the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates.
A month later, he went on to score his first goal against the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the PSL relegation play-offs.
To put a cherry on top, in the 2020/21 season, Hlokgwane was nominated for the PSL Young Player of the Season award following his staller displays throughout that season.
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