Bongokuhle "Bongi" Hlongwane (born 20 June 2000) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United and the South Africa national team.
Club career Maritzburg United Hlongwane grew up in Nxamalala studying at Umthoqotho High School, Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg and played for Nxamalala Fast XI in the SAFA Regional League before joining Maritzburg United's academy. He made his debut for the club in a 1–0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in April 2019 and scored his first goal for the club a month later against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the relegation play-offs. He was nominated for the South African Premier Division Young Player of the Season award for the 2020–21 campaign. In July 2021, he signed a new one-year contract with the club.
Minnesota United On 5 January 2022, MLS club Minnesota United announced the signing of Hlongwane to a three-year contract with a one-year club option.
International career Hlongwane was first called up to the South African national team in July 2019, and made his international debut on 28 July as a substitute in a 3–2 defeat to Lesotho. On 8 June 2021, he made his second appearance and full debut for South Africa against Uganda and scored his first international goal following a "fortunate deflection" in a 3–2 win. On 6 September 2021, he scored against Ghana in a World Cup qualifier as South Africa won 1–0.
Style of play Hlongwane has been noted for his pace, work ethic and flair, with manager Adrian Heath commenting: “He has absolutely explosive pace, but he also looks to combine and build with his teammates. We love his raw talents, but his football IQ is exceptional."
Personal life Hlongwane holds an American green card.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMaritzburg United2018–19SAPD20000021412019–201421000001522020–212131000102332021–22161000000161Total536200031587Minnesota United2022MLS30230—003322023308325700381720243511—200037112025383303200445Total13324921090015235Career total186301121093121042
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsSouth Africa201910202172202242202370Total194
Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Hlongwane goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Bongokuhle HlongwaneNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa2–13–2Friendly2FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa1–01–02022 FIFA World Cup qualification3 17 November 2022 Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela, South Africa 1–1 2–1 Friendly 42–1
References
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