MUDAU, NZAMA, MOOKI FOR ‘SPOKO’ TESTIMONIAL

MBABANE – A star-studded retired international stars headlined by Jabu Pule/ Mahlangu and Cyril Nzama are among the confirmed names for the Spoko Testimonial Match.

The beneficial game, slated for June 30 at Mavuso Sports Centre, was officially launched last night at Sigwaca House in the presence of Football Association (FA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu. In a projected video clip, the likes of former Orlando Pirates wing wizard Joseph ‘Duku Duku’ Makhanya, former Kaizer Chiefs defender Nhlanhla Kubheka, former Sihlangu striker Siza ‘King Pele’ Dlamini, former Moroka Swallows captain Tebogo Monyai and respected gaffer Gavin Hunt all confirm participation in the June 30 festivities.

The first-of-its-kind Testimonial Match on local shores will see ‘Spoko’ play 45 minutes for the visiting retired former teammates in South Africa who only have Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana as the only active player, and another half with his former colleagues at Sihlangu and Royal Leopard.

Spotted by Edwin Matsebula as a Form III pupil at Mater Dolorosa High, ‘Spoko’ joined Leopard in the late 90s before making a dream move to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns where he helped the Chlorkop-based side to league triumph under the tutelage of dearly departed Ted Dumitru.

Spoko then went on to play for Black Leopard, where he enjoyed his best football before donning the famed gold and black of Kaizer Chiefs. He also played for Moroka Swallows and further had a stint with Mpumalanga Black Aces before returning home where he registered with Malanti Chiefs, helping the Pigg’s Peak-based side to win the MTN League and SwaziBank Cup silver medals.

“I’m really honoured with the special support I have received from Swazis and the FA on the unwavering support of the project. It is always good to be celebrated while alive. We only see testimonial matches frequently oversees and personally I have been involved in two such matches- Doctor Khumalo and Thomas Madigage’s testimonial matches,” said the once slippery former Sihlangu striker.   

  
He continued to say that as an upcoming young player back then, he looked up to the likes of the late Tholeni ‘Schuster’ Nkambule and Absalom ‘Scara’ Thindwa among others whom he described as great players who deserved testimonial matches.

Mngomezulu said everything must have a start, using the popular quote of, ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a few steps’. The football secretariat encouraged teams to follow suit and honour their stars.

It was revealed during the launch that a delegation from the Thidiela family (Black Leopard owners) will come through to honour this moment along with Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt, who coached Spoko at Black Leopard and Moroka Swallows.

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