WHY THE DOWNS MOVE FAILED…

Minnesota United’s new signing Bongokuhle Hlongwane inherited his football genes from his father Wiseman Hlongwane (40) – who is now the chairman of Nxamalala Fast XI after serving as a player for two decades. “He is my first-born child,” reveals Hlongwane senior, who was told about his son’s abilities when he was 14. “One day while at home washing the car, his coach [Thothi Cele] told me to come and watch the boy in action because he has magic in his feet and is destined for professional football.

“The boy had been staying with his mom and had just come to live with me at the start of Grade 8. So, to me, the coach prophesised all of what is happening with the boy now.

“I also played the game but never had exposure for opportunities which could have taken me away. There was once a debate about who is the better between me and him.

“The only difference is that I didn’t play professionally. He inherited all that he has from me, and I still warn him that I can compete! I have set a target that by the time he reaches 23, he should reach a certain level. Locally, he was way above what he is doing now. He is going to explode in structured football,” says Hlongwane Senior, before explaining what happened of the interest from the other local clubs.

“We had several meetings with Mamelodi Sundowns but I always insisted that he goes overseas rather than joining a local club. The agent [Bruce Matlaba] is an honest man and promised that he would do the job the right way.

“We spoke with Sundowns on the phone and then got to meet with Trott Moloto in Pietermaritzburg. Our discussions were going on, but we couldn’t agree on some money matters as they insisted that he is too young to be paid what we were asking for, which is why we suggested that he stays at Maritzburg.

“It was important that we consider Bongi’s chances of playing at Sundowns, which would then affect his Bafana chances. I also spoke to coach Manqoba Mngqithi along with a lad named Stan, who handles matters at such levels.

“With our talks the issue was money. We didn’t agree with what they were saying they would give him so we told them that he would rather stay at Maritzburg. We had plenty discussions about Sundowns with regards to him playing.

“We spoke about chasing money instead of playing because we understand the level of competition at Sundowns. We weighed up the options with regards to game-time because he also needs to keep his place in the national team.

“We are grateful to Hugo Broos for showing confidence in Bongi as a boy without a big profile. Playing for Bafana also contributed to him moving abroad. I hope to speak to Hugo one day to thank him for opening the opportunities. “AmaZulu also wanted him, which would have suited him in terms of playing. We also spoke to Bobby Motaung for a while with regards to Kaizer Chiefs but then the aim of the family remained that he moves abroad.

“Orlando Pirates also made contact. Now that he has signed in the USA the plan is that he also pursues an