Young Bafana Bafana striker Bongokhule Hlongwane has rejected approaches from clubs in South Africa to sign a three-year deal with Major League Soccer outfit Minnesota United.
Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia has candidly spoken about the player’s desire to move abroad, with the deal now official and the 21-year-old reportedly rejecting interest from the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
The MLS side announced the three-year-deal ahead of their new campaign on their social media pages:
“Minnesota United announced today the club has signed South African international Bongokuhle Hlongwane, via transfer from South African Premier Division side Maritzburg United, to a three-year contract with a one-year club option.
The South-African international made his national team debut in 2019 and has two goals in six appearances.
He scored his first international goal in 2021 against Uganda and scored the game-winning goal against Ghana in a World Cup Qualifier.
More » https://t.co/WGfbcOAYSp pic.twitter.com/p6EDCp9cF4
— MNUFC But In The Offseason (@MNUFC) January 5, 2022
“Hlongwane will be the club’s first U22 initiative signing and will join the Loons pending a physical and receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC. Additionally, he will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.”
The young forward has grown leaps and bounds over the past year or so, becoming an integral part of the Maritzburg United team and an important member of the young Bafana Bafana set-up and he will now be looking to take his career to the next level.
The Club can confirm we have finalized a transfer with @MNUFC for Bongokhule Hlongwane.
The Striker will join @MNUFC ahead of the @MLS season which kicks off in February.
We thank “Sanisa” for his contribution to the Club and City and wish him all the success #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/cBW3xhSzYm— Maritzburg United FC (@MaritzburgUtd) January 5, 2022
