Wonder Nhleko

Wonder Mabandla Nhleko (born 16 April 1981) is a Liswati former footballer.{{Cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=19063|title=I CAN STILL PLAY FOR THREE SEASONS – WONDER|publisher=observer.org.sz}}

Early life

Nhleko started playing football at a young age and was a more individualistic player as a youth player.{{Cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=12486|title=I USED TO BE A UNIQUE PLAYER – ‘SAMBA JIVE’|publisher=observer.org.sz}}

Club career

Nhleko is nicknamed "Samba Jive".{{Cite web|url=http://www.africansportsmonthly.com/news/nhleko-strike-sends-swallows-to-group-stage|title=Wonder Nhleko - African Sports Monthly article}} He has been regarded as one of the most experienced players in Eswatini and played in South Africa.{{Cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/sports/134867-samba-ready-to-jive-again-for-‘birds’.html|title=SAMBA READY TO JIVE AGAIN FOR ‘BIRDS’|publisher=times.co.sz}} He has been regarded as one of the most important players of Swazi side Mbabane Swallows.{{Cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=12252|title=‘SAMBA JIVE’ NOT THINKING OF RETIREMENT|publisher=observer.org.sz}} He helped the club win every trophy in Swaziland and achieve a season-long unbeaten run that included the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.{{Cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/sports/127912-‘samba-jive’-hits-40.html|title=‘SAMBA JIVE’ HITS 40|publisher=times.co.sz}} He has been the oldest player to play in the Swazi top flight.{{Cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/sports/135691-stay-away-from-drugs%2C-be-disciplined-–-mtn-gong-winning-‘samba-j.html|title=STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS, BE DISCIPLINED – MTN GONG WINNING ‘SAMBA JIVE’|publisher=times.co.sz}}

International career

Nhleko made his COSAFA Cup debut for Eswatini in 2002 .{{Cite web|url=https://www.snl24.com/KickOff/SANews/wonder-nhleko-believes-swaziland-can-win-the-cosafa-cup-20180529|title=Wonder Nhleko believes Swaziland can win the COSAFA Cup|publisher=snl24.com}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://independentnews.co.sz/sports/2455/samba-jive-gets-stars-busy-with-25-pushups-challenge/|title=Wonder Nhleko - Independent News Eswatini article}} He has also been known for his ability to score "wonder goals".{{Cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/sports/95804-so-wonder-ful.html|title=SO WONDER-FUL|publisher=times.co.sz}}

Post-playing career

Nhleko has taken managerial courses.{{Cite web|url=https://newsonafrica.com/sz/samba-jive-retires-deployed-to-a-new-role/|title=Wonder Nhleko - News On Africa article}}

Personal life

Nhleko has been married.{{Cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/sports/90443-‘samba-jive’s-wife-passes-on.html|title=Wonder Nhleko - Times Of Swaziland article}} He is the son of Abner Sipho Nhleko.{{Cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=16553|title=SAMBA JIVE’ SET TO HANG UP HIS BOOTS|publisher=observer.org.sz}}