Kaizer Chiefs star Njabulo Blom handed boost over St Louis City future as MLS club make key decision & Minnesota United react to Bafana Bafana forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane's links with Turkish giants Besiktas

Minnesota United confirmed they have exercised the option on Bongukuhle Hlongwane’s contract following the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

Hlongwane’s future was uncertain with the speedy player being linked with Turkish Super Lig sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor.

Meanwhile, St. Louis City appointed Olof Mellberg as their new head coach, replacing John Hackworth who served as an interim coach after Bradley Carnell's departure.

Hackworth’s departure comes after a fallout with Kaizer Chiefs loanee Njabulo Blom, who had been sidelined recently.

This shift marks significant changes for both players, with new opportunities on the horizon.

"Aston Villa legend and previous Swedish National Team captain Olof Mellberg has been named St. Louis CITY SC’s second-ever head coach, pending receipt of his P-1 visa," a club statement read.

"In addition to being a highly respected leader – on both the pitch and the touchline -- Mellberg brings five-plus years of Scandinavian head coach experience, primarily from Sweden where he demonstrated an ability to deliver results above expectations."

While Minnesota issued a statement saying, "MNUFC exercised the contract options for goalkeepers Alec Smir and Dayne St. Clair, defenders Morris Duggan, Anthony Markanich Jr. and Devin Padelford, midfielders Hassani Dotson, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Sam Shashoua, and forward Tani Oluwaseyi."

Having earned a new contract with Minnesota United, Hlongwane will be eager to continue showcasing his skills in MLS.

His recent form has impressed the club, but he is also aiming to catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

Hlongwane’s last international call-up came during the Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda.

With a solid run of performances, he hopes to earn further national team opportunities.

His continued growth in MLS could make him a key figure for South Africa in upcoming international fixtures.

His Bafana Bafana teammate Blom's future is uncertain as Chiefs have an option to purchase him from City and he is yet to cement his place in Nasreddine Nabi's team.

If Amakhosi decide against purchasing him, he would have to return to City and try to impress Mellberg in order to revive his career in the MLS.

Blom will be hoping to feature when Chiefs take on Royal AM in a PSL match on Saturday having been an unused substitute on Wednesday against Richards Bay.

Hlongwane, on the other hand, is enjoying his off-season and he is expected to return to the USA for United's pre-season training in January.