Has Bongokuhle Hlongwane completely given up on his Bafana Bafana chances? - 'If Hugo Broos feels that I am not in a good space to fit in the team, then it's his decision'

Former Maritzburg United forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane has admitted it is not going to be easy to win back his position at Bafana Bafana.

The Minnesota United winger says the recent squad that has been selected by head coach Hugo Broos has been doing well, and for that matter, he may find it hard to break into the team again.

Hlongwane, however, says it is his wish to see Bafana Bafana succeed in their endeavours.

“Right now the team is doing well, and it is in a superb position. They are proving to be as strong as we all want them to be," Hlongwane told FARPost.

“Like any other South African, I am rallying behind the team. We want them to win because they have worked so hard. As a result, it will be difficult for me to think of breaking into the team easily. It’s something that I am not thinking about.

“But I am now motivated to do more at my level, at my club. It’s something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am motivated.

“I got my chance under Coach Broos, and I used it. I’m grateful to the coach for the chance he gave me. And if he feels that I am not in a good space to fit in the team, then it's his decision," he added.

To get back to the Bafana set-up, Hlongwane says he only has one option: to get even better with the club.

“My focus right now is to improve myself for the club. I have to keep pushing so that I increase my numbers in every game that I play," he added.

“The only way to get a place at the national team level is by getting more good numbers, despite the fact that I have been playing more as a wing-back.

“My goal is to keep impressing in my current position and hope that good fortune continues to come to me," the winger concluded.

Hlongwane has not been part of Bafana's squad in the recent past. In the March World Cup qualifiers, where South Africa played and beat Lesotho and Benin, he was not called up.

He was not involved in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals that were held in Ivory Coast. Again, he was also not considered for the 2025 Afcon qualifiers, which South Africa qualified for.

Hlongwane could find himself working under Broos again, given the number of assignments ahead for Bafana.

In the June international break, South Africa are expected to play two friendlies. In September and October, Bafana will conclude the World Cup qualifiers before focusing on the next Afcon finals set to be held in Morocco.