Bafana Bafana international Bongokuhle Hlongwane produced a man-of-the-match performance for Minnesota United during a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo.
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The former Maritzburg United striker netted twice as his side secured a 3-1 victory over Houston Dynamo in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Thursday morning.
The first goal was an impressive back-heel flick over the goalkeeper to give his side the lead in the 60th minute, and he completed his brace just three minutes later with a tap-in from a low cross.
In an exclusive interview with the club after the game, the South African international could not contain his excitement over his performance in front of his family.
"Yeah, it means a lot [to score in front of my mother and brother] and I'm so happy," Hlongwane said.
"I couldn't celebrate the way I wanted to, I couldn't do my celebration, but I just ran to them. I was happy because they were here and that I was able to perform in front of them," the 25-year-old added.
"I wish they could be here each and every home game we play, maybe they are my lucky charm," he said jokingly.
According to the MLS Site, Minnesota coach Eric Ramsay was proud to see Hlongwane perform and put it down to his family's presence.
"I was really pleased for Bongi," he said. "You'll have seen the family support that he's got today for the first time, I think, since he's been here."
Ramsay admitted that he felt Hlongwane would perform due to a change in his energy.
Hlongwane also further cemented his Minnesota legacy as his two goals meant he now moved to second place as the club's all-time regular-season goalscorer with 24 goals scored.
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Minnesota moved to third in the Western Conference with 33 points from 19 games.
