SEDIBENG.- Kaizer Chiefs have sent young forward Naledi Hlongwane on loan to Cape Town side Hope FC to gain valuable playing experience.

The 21-year-old from Sebokeng first caught national attention two seasons ago when he scored two brilliant goals against Magezi in the Carling Black Label exhibition match, earning the Man of the Match award and a cash prize of R150 000.

That standout performance helped him secure a professional contract and a promotion to the senior squad after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge during the 2024/2025 season.

He even travelled with the first team for their pre-season tour of the Netherlands in 2025.

However, finding regular minutes on the senior side proved difficult, leading to his return to the DDC team and now this loan move.

Hlongwane is joined at Hope FC by fellow promising youngsters Bontle Molefe and Samkelo Zwane.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among supporters, with many fans arguing that players like Hlongwane and Zwane deserve more time to prove their worth in the senior setup given their youth and potential.

Having originally joined the Kaizer Chiefs development ranks from the Nale Academy in the Vaal, Hlongwane will now look to secure regular first-team football in Cape Town before returning to fight for his place at Naturena.