Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath has revealed he received a glowing review about Bafana Bafana forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane from Hugo Broos.
Hlongwane, 21, completed his move from Maritzburg United to the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit on Monday evening after emerging as one of the most sought after talents in South African football.
Heath says the eight-time capped Bafana talent will bring much-needed pace to their attack and confirmed they spoke to Broos about his potential based on what he’s seen within the national team since his appointment.
“The one thing we’ve spoken about is getting someone with game-changing pace on this roster,” the former Manchester City striker told the club’s website.
“He has absolutely explosive pace, but he also looks to combine and build with his teammates. We love his raw talents, but his football IQ is exceptional.
“Ask any defender what scares them and who the hardest players to mark are and inevitably it’s someone with intelligent movement and pace and we feel he possesses both of these qualities.
“He’s got huge upside; he’s now broken into the South African national team and we’ve spoken to his national team coach and he says it’s only the tip of the iceberg for what’s to come.
“He will be a work in progress for the club, but his physical attributes, his raw talent and football intelligence are impressive.
“We’re pleased to sign him, we know there was competition to get him and so we are pleased he’s a Loon.”
Hlongwane has played in every game since Broos succeeded Molefi Ntseki in the national team hot seat, scoring on his debut against Uganda and one in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a 1-0 win over Ghana.
