REVEALED: Why SA’s big three teams didn’t secure Hlongwane signing

Earlier this month, Minnesota United FC announced that the club has signed Bafana Bafana international Bongokuhle Hlongwane from DStv Premiership side Maritzburg United on a three-year contract with an option for a further year.

Hlongwane has openly revealed that Sundowns were “leading the race” for his signature before he opted to rather head abroad, while Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs were also said to be interested.

According to KickOff, here is some more information around how events unfolded behind the scenes:

• Sundowns’ chief scout Trott Moloto reportedly travelled to Pietermaritzburg to meet Hlongwane’s father, while co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi was also involved in the discussions. However, in the end, financial differences meant the proposal didn’t land at a time when the player was more inclined towards heading overseas.

• Kaizer Chiefs’ Bobby Motaung apparently made contact, but “didn’t press hard enough in his pursuit”, with only a few phone calls made.

• Pirates also made contact, but they were also not persistent in their push.

Hlongwane will be Minnesota’s first U22 initiative signing and will join them pending a physical and receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC. Additionally, he will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.

Hlongwane has prevoiusly revealed to KickOff that the prospect of playing overseas was too enticing to turn down.

“There were teams in South Africa that were interested. Mamelodi Sundowns were leading the race. I signed for Minnesota United because I wanted to realise my dream of playing overseas.”

“Ngijabulor impela [I am so happy],” Hlongwane added. “I want to achieve a lot but I need to work because I don’t yet know the challenges I will face there.

“But okuhle kodwa engikufisayo [all good things I wish to achieve overseas].”

The 21-year-old forward joins Minnesota United after spending his professional career with Maritzburg United in KwaZulu-Natal.

Hlongwane made his pro debut at age 18 and was nominated for the South African Premier Division Young Player of the Season award for the 2020/21 season.

Internationally, he made his national team debut in 2019 and has two goals in six appearances.

READ | FORMER BAFANA BAFANA STAR KEKANA: WHY I LEFT SUNDOWNS!

Minnesota United finished fifth in the Western Conference last season, losing to MLS Cup finalists Portland Timbers in Round 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.

BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE STATS AND FACTS:

Name: Bongokuhle Hlongwane 
Position: Forward
Date of birth: 20, June 2000
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 75kg
Last club: Maritzburg United
Birthplace: South Africa
Citizenship: South Africa