The mother of a revered Major League Soccer and Bafana Bafana star is still in awe about how her ‘shy’ son transitioned to become a top footballer.
Two of South Africa’s best talents are making waves in the revered Major League Soccer.
The two, Njabulo Blom and Bongokuhle Hlongwane rose from Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United respectively, to join the American league.
Hlongwane was the first to join the Major League Soccer in January 2022.
The 22-year-old Pietermaritzburg-bred star is in the books of the ambitious Minnesota United.
Over a year after the move, his mother Shelly Bhengu is still in awe about how his ‘shy’ son rose to be a highly rated Bafana star.
WHAT BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE’S MOTHER SAID
“I would describe him as a shy, respectful and obedient child. Although he was a different kid with other people especially at the grounds,” she told the club website.
“We would find videos of him singing and behaving in a way we never saw him do in the house.
“It’s as if he was two different people because he was rather quite at home. He used to play street football with other little boys in the neighbourhood.
“And in the nearby grounds and at school, playing class matches assigned by the school.
“As he kept growing, so were the soccer skills. He eventually qualified to play with the senior team, in a team called Nxamalala FC.”
Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath is pleased with Hlongwane’s workrate. However he still expects more in terms of goals from the speedy Bafana star.
“He is a great kid. The smile is never more than a second away from his face. We feel as though he’s got a huge, huge upside and a bright future,” he said.
“If he could start putting goals and end product to the energy that he brings to the grouo then we’ll have a serious play on our hands.”
So far, Hlongwane has two goals in ten Major League Soccer matches. Hlongwane’s teammate, Wil Trapp hyped the Bafana star saying his pace makes him special.
“His ability to fake people out inside a phonebooth, a guy right on him and he’s wiggling out of a situation. The guy is going that way. He’s such an awesome person,”Trapp said.
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