Bongokuhle Hlongwane

Bongokuhle Hlongwane is a South African forward born in Martizburg on 20 June 2000. He developed through street football and local amateur matches before joining the Maritzburg United academy at 17. Hlongwane made his professional debut for Maritzburg United against Orlando Pirates in April 2019 and scored his first professional goal the following month in a relegation play-off. His 2020–21 campaign brought a nomination for the PSL Young Player of the Season award. In September 2021, he scored South Africa’s winner against Ghana in a World Cup qualifier, strengthening his international profile. Minnesota United signed Hlongwane in January 2022 as the club’s first U22 Initiative player, and he has since been deployed as a forward, winger and wingback. He made a major impact in the 2023 Leagues Cup, scoring seven goals in five matches for Minnesota United.