South Africa hero Bongokuhle Hlongwane earns plaudit from ex-coach Vincent Kobola

Former Baroka FC assistant coach Vincent Kobola has showered praises on the hero for the South Africa national team, Bongokuhle Hlongwane following their victory against Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers.

The Bafana Bafana inflicted a 1-0 win over the Black Stars at the FnB Stadium in Johannesburg to go top of Group G last Monday.

Maritzburg United forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane strike in the dying embers of the game settled the encounter.

However, Vincent Kobola, who previously worked with the enterprising forward at Maritzburg United in the Premier Soccer League says he is not surprised with the player’s development in the national team.

"I am not surprised because as he is a hard worker," he told KickOff.com.

"What has impressed me most is his progress with Bafana Bafana.

"He has grabbed the opportunity with both hands and keeps on improving.

"You can see that he also learnt a lot playing with Thabiso Kutumela at Maritzburg United.

"He has done well so far with Bafana Bafana, but let's not put pressure on him to score goals for Bafana Bafana, let's allow him space to grow

"The goals will come as he continues to grow and get more experience, but for now let's not put too many expectations on him.

"The goal he scored yesterday against Ghana will go long way to boost his confidence.

"He is my boy and I am happy to see him succeeding in his soccer career because he is such a lovely, disciplined and respectful youngster."

Kobola also praised fellow striker, Evidence Makgopa's performance who was unlucky to not score.

"He tends to score the more difficult goals and miss the simpler chances," Kobola added.

"But like Hlongwane, he has made huge progress and he is improving a lot."