Bongi Hlongwane's brace "means a lot" with family in stands

Bongokuhle Hlongwane with his family. Photo credit: Minnesota United

South African sensation Bongokuhle Hlongwane not only netted a stunning quick-fire brace for Minnesota United in the MLS, but he did it with a truly special audience: his mother, Sherly Bhengu, and baby brother, Gift Bhengu, cheering him on from the stands.

The 25-year-old’s two goals in the 60th and 63rd minutes were instrumental in securing a dominant 3-1 victory over Houston Dynamo FC at Allianz Field on Thursday morning.

Hlongwane's impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award. His brace, complemented by a goal from Robin Lod, not only sealed the win but also saw the former Maritzburg United star surpass Emanuel Reynoso to claim second place for the most regular-season goals in the club’s history.

Hlongwane now boasts 24 regular-season goals, eclipsing Reynoso's 22. This season, he's tallied three goals and one assist in 19 matches.

The presence of Hlongwane’s mother and baby brother, who are visiting him in the USA for three weeks, made the moment even more special. After scoring his first goal, the Bafana Bafana star immediately jumped into the stands to celebrate with his family.

"Yeah, it means a lot, and I’m so happy. I’m so happy," Hlongwane shared, clearly overjoyed by the experience. "I couldn’t celebrate the way I wanted to, and I couldn’t do my celebration, but I just ran to them, and I was happy for them to be here."

He continued, "So I was happy because they were here, and I was able to perform in front of them. I wish they can be here, each and every home game we play, maybe they are my lucky charm. I don’t know, but hopefully they’ll be here for the next one. Just like every morning, I leave them at my place, saying I’m going to training. It shows what I will be doing in training."