SEBOKENG.- Vaal-born youngster Naledi ‘Njabulo’ Hlongwane played no part when the South Africa U20 National Team were crowned the 2025 African Cup of Nations champions in Egypt over the weekend.

Amajita, as the SA U20 National Team is known, beat Morocco 1-0 in the nail-biting final in Egypt to lift this continental trophy. Not only did they lift the trophy, but they also made history when they qualified for the World Cup. Hlongwane was one of the standby players for Amajita but played no part in the tournament.

He had to be released from the camp due to a registration issue.

He had to fly back to the country and watch the final from home. On his arrival, he immediately joined the Kaizer Chiefs’ senior team for preparations for the remaining Betway Premiership matches. Kaizer Chiefs coach, Nasreddine Nabi might hand Hlongwane his debut in the top-flight football when Amakhosi host Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership match on Saturday.

Much has been said about this Sebokeng youngster after his stunning performance scoring twice for Carling Black Label Team against Magesi in the exhibition match in December. He has made the headlines as the leading scorer for the Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge Team.

Amakhosi babies are the 2024/2025 DDC champions.

Hlongwane was instrumental to the team’s victory, scoring some vital goals for Chiefs, especially against their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates. Sedibeng Ster has been reliably informed that Hlongwane is among the youngsters who will be an important part of the Amakhosi team next season.