South African international Bongokuhle Hlongwane has revealed that being overlooked for Bafana Bafana duty has motivated him to elevate his club performances.
Hlongwane has been overlooked by Bafana coach Hugo Broos in recent times. The former Maritzburg United winger was not part of Broos’ squad that represented South Africa at the 2023 AFCON tournament held in Ivory Coast.
Additionally, he failed to make the team for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and has not been included in the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will be concluded later this year.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old says he has no hard feelings about being overlooked by the Belgian mentor.
WHAT HLONGWANE SAID ABOUT BEING SNUBBED FOR BAFANA BAFANA DUTY
Hlongwane is first to admit that it is now too demanding for one to earn Broos’ nod for upcoming assignments. In an interview with FARPost, the Minnesota United winger said the stakes are at their all-time high considering the national team’s achievements.
“Right now, the team is doing well, and it is in a superb position. They are proving to be as strong as we all want them to be.
“Like any other South African, I am rallying behind the team. We want them to win because they have worked so hard. As a result, it will be difficult for me to think of breaking into the team easily. It’s something that I am not thinking about.
“But I am now motivated to do more at my level, at my club. It’s something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am motivated.”
Hlongwane added: “I got my chance under coach Broos, and I used it. I’m grateful to the coach for the chance he gave me. And if he feels that I am not in a good space to fit in the team, then it’s his decision. My focus right now is to improve myself for the club. I have to keep pushing so that I increase my numbers in every game that I play.
“The only way to get a place at national team level is by getting more good numbers, despite the fact that I have been playing more as a wing-back.
“My goal is to keep impressing in my current position. And I hope that good fortune continues to come to me,” added Hlongwane in a chat with FARPost.
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