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.


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