Wonder Nhleko

Wonder Mabandla Nhleko (born 16 April 1981) is a Swazi former footballer who last played as a winger for Mbabane Swallows.[1]

Early life

Nhleko started playing football at a young age and was a more individualistic player as a youth player.[2]

Club career

Nhleko is nicknamed "Samba Jive".[3] He has been regarded as one of the most experienced players in Eswatini and played in South Africa.[4] He has been regarded as one of the most important players of Swazi side Mbabane Swallows.[5] He helped the club win every trophy in Swaziland and achieve a season-long unbeaten run that included the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.[6] He has been the oldest player to play in the Swazi top flight.[7]

International career

Nhleko made his COSAFA Cup debut for Eswatini in 2002 .[8] Altogether, he has made 45 appearances for the Eswatini national football team.

Style of play

Nhleko mainly operates as a winger and is known for his speed.[9] He has also been known for his ability to score "wonder goals".[10]

Post-playing career

Nhleko has taken managerial courses.[11]

Personal life

Nhleko has been married.[12] He is the son of Abner Sipho Nhleko.[13]

References
  1. "I CAN STILL PLAY FOR THREE SEASONS – WONDER". observer.org.sz.
  2. "I USED TO BE A UNIQUE PLAYER – 'SAMBA JIVE'". observer.org.sz.
  3. "Wonder Nhleko - African Sports Monthly article".
  4. "SAMBA READY TO JIVE AGAIN FOR 'BIRDS'". times.co.sz.
  5. "'SAMBA JIVE' NOT THINKING OF RETIREMENT". observer.org.sz.
  6. "'SAMBA JIVE' HITS 40". times.co.sz.
  7. "STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS, BE DISCIPLINED – MTN GONG WINNING 'SAMBA JIVE'". times.co.sz.
  8. "Wonder Nhleko believes Swaziland can win the COSAFA Cup". snl24.com.
  9. "Wonder Nhleko - Independent News Eswatini article".
  10. "SO WONDER-FUL". times.co.sz.
  11. "Wonder Nhleko - News On Africa article".
  12. "Wonder Nhleko - Times Of Swaziland article".
  13. "SAMBA JIVE' SET TO HANG UP HIS BOOTS". observer.org.sz.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.