Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) could usher in a new era for young players looking to move abroad, writes DEAN Workman.

After watching other young players leave Maritzburg United to join one of the big three in South Africa, Bongokuhle Hlongwane decided to take a different route.

In recent seasons, Lebohang Maboe left for Mamelodi Sundowns, Fortune Makaringe, Bandile Shandu and Siphesihle Ndlovu made the move to Orlando Pirates; all having a mixture of success.

Hlongwane then faced a big decision after breaking into Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad, as clubs began to clamour for his signature. The 21-year-old was, however, always determined to go overseas.

‘It’s been a pleasure to witness Bongokuhle’s growth both as a player and as a young man since he was identified and recruited into the club’s youth structures four years ago,’ Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia said.

‘Such has been the quality and consistency of his performances that it was not a surprise that the club had received several offers, locally and internationally. However, the player has always had his heart set on playing abroad and this opportunity presents him with an exciting new challenge to test himself in a highly competitive environment.’

It was thus no surprise when it was announced that Hlongwane was set to move abroad but what may have shocked many was his decision to go to the United States and sign a three-year deal with Minnesota United. MLS insider Andrew Olsson, in an interview with Independent Media, gave an insight into the League’s ‘U22 Initiative’, which allows each club to sign three players of 22 years or younger to lucrative contracts at a reduced budget charge.

‘Hlongwane broke through with Bafana Bafana in the World Cup qualifiers and every African World Cup qualifier has been broadcast in the US,’ Olsson said. ‘I’d imagine that MLS teams have been following those matches to identify talent. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos also gave Hlongwane a good endorsement. Bafana under Broos has been trying to bring in younger players.

‘MLS clubs will not really look at players from clubs like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs as those clubs can compete well, salary-wise, with MLS clubs. They must have seen Hlongwane during World Cup qualifying and established that he was performing well for Maritzburg United and then spoke with Broos.’

He will join another South African in MLS with Kamohelo Mokotjo on the books of FC Cincinnati, while former South Africa U17 player Lindo Mfeka is at Oakland Roots in the USL Championship (second-tier of American soccer) and former Bafana Bafana defender Bradley Carnell has been appointed head coach of St Louis City.

Hlongwane, however, already has his mind on the future and admitted to the Sowetan that he is keen to use the move to America as a stepping stone to get into European football.

‘I want to use this opportunity to get to Europe, that’s my aim. However, I will put all my focus on my team without thinking too ahead of myself. I don’t want to lie; I am very happy to have earned this move. It’s a dream come true for me. It’s been always my dream to play abroad,’ he said.

Promoted by Broos’ youthful revolution in the national team, several players could pop up on the radar of clubs in the MLS.