Bongi Hlongwane shines on ex-Man United coach’s MLS debut
Bafana Bafana striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane gave a good account of himself after scoring for Minnesota United on their new coach’s MLS debut.
Minnesota United beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 as former Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay made his first appearance in the dugout.
Ramsay coached for the first time in the Major League Soccer [MLS] and for the first time anywhere as a head coach. He was part of Erik ten Hag’s technical team.
At 32, he is the youngest MLS head coach ever. He is also the youngest coach in the league this season by seven years. What made it more special is that they beat former MLS Cup champions, who are led by celebrated coach Steve Cherundolo.
Robin Lod scored their first goal in the 16th minute, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored in the 88th minute. The former Maritzburg United striker was introduced in the 70th minute for Teemu Pukki, and he impressed.
HLONGWANE’S IMPRESSIVE START TO THE 2024 SEASON
This was Hlongwane’s second goal in two matches in what has been a perfect start to the 2024 season. Last week, he scored their third goal as they beat Orlando City 3-2 away from home.
The other two goals were scored by Minnesota United’s star player Pukki. Hlongwane’s start to the 2024 season shows that he is still good enough to be a Bafana Bafana striker.
He was recently overlooked by Hugo Broos, along with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom. Blom also plays in the Major League Soccer for St Louis City.
Hlongwane and Blom were not called up when Broos picked his squad for the FIFA Series international friendlies pilot project in Algeria later this month. They were also snubbed for the AFCON finals.
Moreso, it will be the first time that Bafana re-group since winning the AFCON bronze medal. Bafana are set to take on Andorra on 21 March. They will then face Algeria at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on 26 March. Both matches will be played in Algeria.
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