SEBOKENG.- The Vaal-based youngster Naledi Hlongwane was part of the South African U23 Men’s National Team camp in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers.

He was part of the 33-man preliminary squad that concluded its camp on Monday (July 6).

This young star had a great season, scoring crucial goals for the Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) Team. For example, Hlongwane scored a hat-trick when Amakhosi babies thrashed Chippa United 11-0 in the DDC match.

No doubt, his performance in the DDC speaks volumes!

He was instrumental for Chiefs when the club finished fourth at the end of the season. He finished the DDC season with 14 goals and as one of the club’s top goalscorers.

This is probably the same performance that earned him a place at the Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers. The qualifiers games will be in September, November, and December on a home-and-away basis. The 2028 Summer Olympic Games will run in the USA from July 14 to July 30.

Hlongwane started his football journey on the dusty soccer grounds of Sebokeng, and his rise to stardom came when his development academy, Nale Academy, recommended him to Kaizer Chiefs’ development programme.

He was only 14 years old.

However, before he joined Kaizer Chiefs, Nale Academy recommended him to the SA U17 COSAFA Cup camp. He is one of the best players coming from the Vaal. When he got to Chiefs, he also received a U17 National Team call-up for the COSAFA Cup.

He is destined for a great future!