Hlongwane eager to build a better life for his family through football

US-based Bafana Bafana star Bongokuhle Hlongwane is on a mission to change his family’s unpleasant livelihood for the better.

Hlongwane, who’s the property of Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Minnesota United, is expected to play a role for Bafana when they take on Morocco in their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium tomorrow (9pm). Bafana’s Group K consists of only three countries with Liberia the third team after Zimbabwe were disqualified by Fifa.

Hlongwane joined Minnesota from Maritzburg United in January this year. The 21-year-old winger-cum-striker is yet to find the back of the net in the MLS with just two assists from 14 outings. Born and bred in an impoverished KwaNxamalala village in Pietermaritzburg, Hlongwane has opened up about his impecunious background as he intends to use football to better the living of his family.

“I want to change my life and I want my family to be okay. I know where I come from, that pushes me to work hard in each and every game. I come from a rural area. When I grew up, it was my grandfather who was supporting us up until my mother and my uncles started working. I then decided to go and live with my father in a different place,” Hlongwane told the Safa media team in Morocco.

“My father looked after me... he was just working in construction. When Covid-19 started he lost his job... till today, he’s not working. Since I signed my first professional contract at Maritzburg I  have been supporting him. Even in the US, I send money to him and my mom every month. Those hardships at home motivate me to always give my all in football, I respect football.''

Hlongwane then emphasised the significance of winning tomorrow against the Atlas Lions. “This game against Morocco is crucial for us. It’s always important to start well. We want to ease pressure on ourselves by starting on a good note,” said Hlongwane.