Wonder Mabandla Nhleko (born 16 April 1981) is a Liswati former footballer.[1]
Early life[edit]
Nhleko started playing football at a young age and was a more individualistic player as a youth player.[2]
Club career[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Nhleko has taken managerial courses.[11]
Personal life[edit]
Nhleko has been married.[12] He is the son of Abner Sipho Nhleko.[13]
References[edit]
- ^ "I CAN STILL PLAY FOR THREE SEASONS – WONDER". observer.org.sz.
- ^ "I USED TO BE A UNIQUE PLAYER – 'SAMBA JIVE'". observer.org.sz.
- ^ "Wonder Nhleko - African Sports Monthly article".
- ^ "SAMBA READY TO JIVE AGAIN FOR 'BIRDS'". times.co.sz.
- ^ "'SAMBA JIVE' NOT THINKING OF RETIREMENT". observer.org.sz.
- ^ "'SAMBA JIVE' HITS 40". times.co.sz.
- ^ "STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS, BE DISCIPLINED – MTN GONG WINNING 'SAMBA JIVE'". times.co.sz.
- ^ "Wonder Nhleko believes Swaziland can win the COSAFA Cup". snl24.com.
- ^ "Wonder Nhleko - Independent News Eswatini article".
- ^ "SO WONDER-FUL". times.co.sz.
- ^ "Wonder Nhleko - News On Africa article".
- ^ "Wonder Nhleko - Times Of Swaziland article".
- ^ "SAMBA JIVE' SET TO HANG UP HIS BOOTS". observer.org.sz.
External links[edit]
- Wonder Nhleko at National-Football-Teams.com
- Wonder Nhleko at WorldFootball.net
