What Bongokuhle Hlongwane has learnt in his three years in the MLS
Minnesota United and Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane has explained what he has learnt in his three years in the USA’s Major League Soccer [MLS].
Hlongwane joined Minnesota in January 2022 from Maritzburg United on a three-year deal with a one-year option.
Since joining the side, he has grown in influence as a frontman for Eric Ramsay’s side. Ramsay is a former Manchester United coach, who worked with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Eric ten Hag.
Hlongwane has scored 21 goals in 75 appearances across all competitions for Minnesota and weighed in with 10 assists as per Transfermarkt statistics.
BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE’S LESSONS IN THE MLS
The talented goalscorer has explained the valuable lessons he has learnt since joining Minnesota and how it had an impact on his life playing away from home.
“This league is not easy to come here and perform. You’ve got to work hard to fit in and perform to your utmost best,” said Hlongwane in an interview with FARPost.
“It’s a difficult league because you play with experienced people, who have been in the game for so long.” The MLS is home to the former Barcelona quartet of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. Lorenzo Insigne, who played for Napoli at the height of his career, is teammates with Cassius Mailula at Toronto FC.
“So, we have to learn from them and listen to them when they advise us. And since I’m all by myself here, it’s a little bit hard so I have to listen to them and do exactly what they say to keep my standards high all the time.”
The 23-year-old footballer continued: “And that’s the reason why I’m finding the new season well and having scored two goals in four games so far, and I wouldn’t say it’s a bad start for me.”
Hlongwane’s side will return to league action on Sunday, 14 April 2024 against Houston Dynamo at home. The showdown will kick off at 2:30 am [SA time] at Allianz Field Stadium.
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