Former Wanderers star, Thobile Thwala is late

MANZINI – Another week, another high profile death in the football fraternity.

While the football fraternity is still reeling with shock from the demise of two prominent football officials on the same day – Thursday – last week in Mbabane Highlanders manager, Mbongseni ‘Mthofi’ Khumalo and former Hhohho FA chairman, Jackie Mathonsi, the cruel hand of death has struck again.

This time it is former Manzini Wanderers stylish midfielder, Thobile ‘Schemer’ Thwala, who passed away while under-going treatment at Mbabane Government Hospital yesterday.

Thwala, known in the football circles for his stylish back-heels, joined Manzini Wanderers in 1984 from Preston Brothers and starred in the ‘maroon and white’ side that won the Trade Fair Cup three times in a row from 1984 – 1986.The hub giants beat Highlanders 1-0 in the annual Trade Fair Cup finals in 1984, in 1985 it was Swallows turn to lose with the same score line and closed a remarkable feat by beating City rivals, Moneni Pirates with the same champion score-line.

Wanderers Manager, Michael ‘Scara’ Gama, one of the remaining members of the ‘golden generation of the 1980’s, confirmed the sad news and said they are still shocked and devastated by the passing on of the man many fans even nicknamed, ‘The Great’ in the way he controlled the midfield with aplomb.

"He was a friend and teammate. I can’t say much, I just shocked by the sad news. What a loss for the club," Gama said.

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