Minnesota United attacker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has finally addressed his exclusion from the South African national team (Bafana Bafana) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Hlongwane, a key player during the qualifying stages, was surprisingly left out of the final 23-man squad for the tournament held in Ivory Coast.
Fan Disappointment Over Hlongwane’s Absence
Hlongwane’s omission sparked debate among South African football fans, who believed his experience and goalscoring prowess would have bolstered the team’s attacking options.
Hlongwane Reflects on Disappointment and Acceptance
In a recent interview with FARPost, Hlongwane acknowledged his disappointment while maintaining a professional outlook.
He emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks, stating, “Sometimes you have to expect such things to happen in your life… But, I was kind of disappointed and at the same time I was like okay it’s fine, it has happened and I can’t change anything.”
No Explanation Given by Coach Broos
Hlongwane revealed that coach Hugo Broos never contacted him to explain his exclusion from the squad.
Despite this lack of communication, Hlongwane remains confident in his abilities and committed to improvement.
“I know I have been doing well,” he asserted. “So, the only thing I need to do is continue doing well, nothing else.”
Looking Forward: Focus on Club Performance
Hlongwane remains dedicated to his role with Minnesota United.
He refuses to be discouraged by the national team snub and emphasizes his commitment to his club.
“I’m just going to continue playing my game and helping my team, that’s all I’m going to do.”
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