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Bafana Bafana star could get 25 goals, says coach

A Bafana Bafana star, who is arguably enjoying the form of his life at the moment, has been tipped to score 25 goals this season.

Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath has been impressed by South African winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane this season.

So much so that he has backed the former Maritzburg United star to achieve one of his biggest targets – scoring 25 goals in a season.

BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE’S AMBITIOUS TARGET

Hlongwane had told Heath he would get him 25 goals this season when he returned home in the off season, a promise his mentor intends to hold him to.

And the South African speedster has started the campaign on a high, scoring five goals in 13 matches in all competitions so far.

Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane in action
Bongokuhle Hlongwane

He was on target in the Loons’ 1-0 win over Houston on Thursday. His performance also saw him walk away with the Man of the Match accolade.

Heath has showered the Bafana star with praise for his recent performances and believes there’s much more to come from the 22-year-old from Pietermaritzburg.

“He’s at five goals this season with two in the [U.S.] Open Cup,” Heath told his club’s website.

“We’ve played, with the Open Cup game, what, 13 games this season now. To get five goals, he might get me the 25 goals that he said he was going to get me when he left last year.”

Hlongwane’s solitary goal which came in the 14th minute proved to be the match-winner against Houston. That ended his club’s five-match winless run in the MLS.

HLONGWANE IN FINE FORM

His match-winning goal was also accompanied by his usual work-rate. He was a constant thorn in the side of the Houston defenders for the entire match.

Hlongwane’s impressive showing also saw him earn a spot in the MLS Week 13 Team of the Matchday.

RELATED STORY: Bongokuhle Hlongwane on target again in the MLS

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