Hlongwane Talks About Difficulties Overseas

Minnesota United striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has opened up on difficulties he has encountered since he signed for the MLS side in January.

The former Maritzburg United is currently with Bafana Bafana as they prepare for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier clash against Morroco that will take place on 9 June in Rabat.

Hlongwane was bagging goals for the Team of Choice before he went overseas but he seems to be struggling to find the back of the net in USA after 14 appearances without a goal.

Speaking to SAFA Media before the national team flew to Morroco, Hlongwane said he doesn’t know why the goals don’t come.

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“Talking about goals I don’t want to lie because I don’t know what is going on because I won’t say I’m not getting chances,” says Hlongwane talking to SAFA media.

“I’m creating chances in the team, and they are also creating chances for me. I’m always at the right place at the right time but I don’t know what is going on.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m putting myself under pressure because I know what I can do when you put me on the field. I know myself. Maybe this time I don’t know what I should do to score but I’m waiting for the right time, and I know it is coming.

“I have to believe in myself and keep on pushing. Sometimes you see such things happening to big players, but they keep going,” says Hlongwane.

The 21-year-old also alluded to the difficulty of not seeing your family coming to support you just like his other teammates.

“Everything is okay, it’s going well but sometimes when I see people coming with their families to the games sometimes, I feel like I need my family too to come and support me. To be there for me, but it is impossible for that to happen. But I have to take it because they are far.

“If you know what you want in life you have to do everything to face every challenge coming your way.

“I want to change my life and that of my family to be okay because I know where I come from.

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“I come from the rural areas and grew up in a family where my grandfather was supporting everyone up until my mom and uncle started to work.

“After that, I moved to my father who was looking after me working as a constructor until the covid pandemic but when I got the contract at Maritzburg I started supporting him.

“I look after my father by sending money home for him. Even my mom is working but I send money to them to buy food and whatever they need,” he explains.