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‘SAMBA JIVE’ NOT THINKING OF RETIREMENT

By COLISILE SACOLO | 2020-04-17

SOCCER - CAPITAL city glamour side Mbabane Swallows veteran winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, revealed that hanging up his boots was the last thing on his mind as he intends to continue his duties at the ‘Beautiful Birds’.

One of the longest serving Birds players has managed to keep his body in good shape due to his hard work at training despite turning ‘30-something’ yesterday. ‘Samba’ Jive hinted that he would play the beautiful game for as long as he maintains his match fitness. Nhleko, who started playing professional football in 2 000, is one of the longest serving football players in the country.

The winger said as long as he was making valuable input in the team, he would continue to play. “I am not ready to hang my boots and I still have plenty to offer to football. Our fans will continue to see me inside the field of play. “It will depend on my fitness and the body will tell.

But at the moment, I still feel fresh and feel like I can still go on. I think that this is the results of all my hard work and we all know that hard work pays.” He said he would continue playing football for a couple of seasons. “As long as I lead a clean and healthy life and also keep my discipline, I will keep playing football. The rest I will see as time goes on.”

On another note, Nhleko said weekends without football were boring and frustrating. He was optimistic the situation would get back to normal so that they could return to playing football.

“I am doing individual but honestly speaking training without my team-mates is difficult but I am trying my best to stay fit and strong.” Meanwhile, ‘Samba Jive played for Sihlangu in all major tournaments when he was at his peak.

He has also been a pillar of strength for Swallows in his successful stay at the club. He won everything on offer on the domestic front. He is one of the most decorated players of his generation in local football.

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