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I USED TO BE A UNIQUE PLAYER – ‘SAMBA JIVE’

By COLISILE SACOLO | 2020-05-12

SOCCER - CAPITAL city glamour side Mbabane Swallows veteran winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko says he used to be a unique player but that had now changed.

The player has won every trophy in the country since joining the ‘Beautiful Birds’ from Malanti Chiefs. ‘Samba’ said his game had changed as he was no more a young player.

“The way I play changes as I grow up. I used to be a fancy player as a young boy but my style of play has changed. I no longer do the things I used to do because, obviously age is not on my side. I understand the game differently now,” he said.

The former Malanti Chiefs and Denver Sundowns player said he was now a straight forward type of player, who believed in eliminating the opposition and scoring as opposed to dribbling and hogging the ball.

“I have grown a lot as a player and you can see that I always fight for the team as opposed to playing for individual glory. What I can tell you is that it comes with age. We have players with a lot of creativity in the team and I am now that special player, who plays direct football.” Nhleko said he would continue playing.

“I feel I can play for a couple of seasons. I am definitely not thinking about retirement at the moment. I believe I still have something to offer inside the field of play. I cannot predict what the future holds, but all I know is that I still want to continue playing.” He said his wish was to share his football knowledge with the youngsters in future.

"In five years to come, I see myself working with children, who have the same passion as I had as a young boy.

But I will do that after hanging my boots. I am a football person through and through and I will definitely share my experience with the youngsters,” he said. Nhleko then urged the nation to follow precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

“COVID-19 is real and it kills. As players we should continue with individual training to keep fit and healthy. I am optimistic we will return to the field of play.”

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