Kaizer Chiefs have signalled their intent to protect their brightest young assets, with FARPost understanding that teenage sensation Naledi Hlongwane is set to commit his long-term future to the club.
The 20-year-old striker, a standout performer in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC], has his contract expiring in June.
However, information reaching FARPost is that the club has offered the young striker an improved professional contract. The deal reportedly includes a comprehensive roadmap stretching to June 2030, effectively securing the forward’s services for the next few seasons and fending off interest from rivals.
Hlongwane’s ascent through the ranks at Naturena has been impressive. The striker from Sebokeng burst onto the scene during the 2024 Carling All-Stars match against Magesi FC, where he netted two goals in a 3-0 victory, walking away with the Man of the Match award.
Last season, Hlongwane was the undisputed heartbeat of the Chiefs’ reserve side, spearheading their successful DDC title charge. His prolific form did not go unnoticed, earning him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana CHAN squad.
CHIEFS CONSIDER HLONGWANE A KEY PART OF THEIR LONG-TERM PLANS
The club considers the South African youth international a key part of their long-term plans. He took part in the first team’s pre-season tour in the Netherlands and started the season’s opening Betway Premiership match.
The commitment to Hlongwane represents the latest sign of a significant shift in philosophy at the Soweto giants. In their recent Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants, the club made a bold statement by naming eight academy graduates in the matchday squad.
The approach of blending high-profile acquisitions with homegrown talent is now in full swing, with Hlongwane joining the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi as the faces of the club’s future.
Chiefs have loaned out several reserve players to other clubs. Midfielders Manqoba Ozoemena and Ofentse Kgosana are now with Casric Stars. Bontle Molefe has moved to Leicesterford City, while Bobo Sima is with Botswana’s Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
While Hlongwane’s deal would secure his future, the path to the starting XI remains challenging. The recent arrivals of seasoned attackers Khanyisa Mayo, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Flavio Da Silva have provided the senior squad with significant depth.
For Hlongwane, the next few years represent a crucial period of transition as he looks to transform into a permanent fixture in the Amakhosi attack.
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