The Bafana Bafana striker was a beneficiary of the MLS U22 initiative to support further investment in young prospects, and has burst onto the scene at Leagues Cup 2023. He scored third brace in three games against Columbus Crew to give him the status of top scorer in the tournament with six goals, already matching his current MLS tally in Leagues Cup play.
Hlongwane can’t stop scoring at Leagues Cup 2023. He netted two goals during his team's defeat against Chicago Fire FC and followed it up with another brace in the subsequent group match against Puebla. Against Columbus Crew in the Round of 32 he netted in his third successive match - the first a lofted chip as Minnesota took the lead, the second a scuffled finish to level the game at 2-2. The South African is currently beating Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi and Monterray’s Germán Berterame.
He transferred to the MLS side from his hometown club, Maritzburg United FC, in January of the previous year and his scoring record has been growingly impressing lookers-on. However, his performance in Leagues Cup has elevated him to a whole new level.
The U22 Initiative has allowed **MLS** clubs to sign up to three young players, aged 22 and younger, to lucrative contracts at a reduced budget charge, decreasing the risk associated with acquiring or retaining players who were still approaching their prime. As a foreign young player, Hlongwane was eligible when he signed his contract with Minnesota.
