Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane has made a Mamelodi Sundowns admission after an impressive maiden season in the United States.
Mamelodi Sundowns tried signing the Minnesota United forward before his move to the MLS.
Hlongwane’s stock rose early in his career with Maritzburg United. He made his debut for the Pietermaritzburg outfit before his 19th birthday, getting his first goal the following month.
SUNDOWNS PURSUED BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE
His first topflight goal came against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila as the KZN side retained their PSL status through the promotion play-offs after finishing 15th in the top flight.
After getting nominated for the 2020/21 PSL Young Player of the Season, interest in him started swelling.
The 22-year-old has told FARPost that Sundowns were one of the clubs that sought after his signature before the overseas switch.
While he has a lot of respect for the defending South African champions, he believes the timing of the approach could have been better.
“Sundowns were interested at some point, and, being a big club, every young player dreams of playing for them.
“But I guess the timing was not right because Minnesota then came through,” Hlongwane told FARPost.
His maiden season in the MLS has been memorable, with the Bafana Bafana star establishing himself as a darling for his side.
In a sheer demonstration of how his game has evolved, Hlongwane scored twice as Bafana beat Mozambique 2-1 recently.
MORE GOALS
“My coach asked me how I felt about my first season. He said I should grade myself out of 10, and I said seven.
“I feel I could have scored more goals, which is something I want to work on next season,” he said.
The speedy winger scored two goals and made four assists this season. He wants to earn a move to one of the big five European leagues and admits it will take a lot of hard work.
Hlongwane does not rule out returning home and playing for Sundowns or any of the big local clubs at the end of his career.
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