MY FAMILY’S SUPPORT IS PRICELESS – ‘MLILO’

MBABANE – Royal Leopard star, Zweli Mandla Nxumalo, was named the 2014 SwaziBank Cup Player of the Series after his outstanding performance in the tournament. He played a major role in helping his team to be crowned the champions.

The former Umbelebele Jomo Cosmos star joined the police side, Royal Leopard in 2010. The 25-year-old attributed his success to his former teams, Amawele and Umbelebele.

He said the support he got from his family, especially his father and his current team, Royal Leopard, was motivating him to work even harder. He went home with E12 000 in the SwaziBank Cup for being the Player of the Series (E10 000) and Man of the Match (E2 000). Nxumalo said he was going to share the prize money with his teammates.
He pours his heart out to the Times of Swaziland Sports Desk:

Times: Who is Zweli Nxumalo?
‘Mlilo’: A young man who grew up loving football and luckily for me, I got the chance to play it.

Times: Where did you start your football career?
‘Mlilo’: At Amawele, where I registered as a youngster, before joining Umbelebele in 2005. I then signed for Royal Leopard in 2010.

Times: What are your dreams in football?
‘Mlilo’: It is every player’s dream to play in bigger leagues like South Africa’s Premier Soccer League or Barclays Premiership. I’m still confident that one day I will get a chance to prove myself in South Africa. If such a chance can avail itself, I would grab it with both hands.

Times: You were crowned the Player of the Series in the SwaziBank Cup, how did you feel?
‘Mlilo’: Even though I was not expecting it, but I was so excited. It is unfortunate that my joy was short-lived because we have tough games ahead in the MTN Premier league. We have to forget about the past and look to the future. We played as a team and I’m happy that I was among those players who fought hard for the trophy.

Times: Which was your worst and good game?
‘Mlilo’: The game against Mbabane Swallows was tough and we wanted to win at all cost. I enjoyed the SwaziBank Cup final, especially the free kick I took towards the end of the game.

Times: What are Royal Leopard’s chances of winning the league?
‘Mlilo’: The league is at a very crucial stage and to me the game against Mbabane Swallows is a decider (last night’s game). We need a win or a draw in that game but for Mbabane Swallows; they need a win at all cost to keep themselves in the race.

Times: What keeps you performing well?
‘Mlilo’: Hard work. The fact that I also started professional football at a young age helped me. I’m so happy that the PLS has introduced the Under-20 league and that is going to help teams identify talent at a young age. It is unfortunate that some players are seen to be good players when they are already old. 

Times: You are part of the National team, Sihlangu to play in the AFCON Qualifiers, how are the chances of doing better?
‘Mlilo’: Even though it won’t be easy, it is up to us players. We have to go all out to make the country proud. We have to come and give our best like we are doing in our teams. I would like to see Sihlangu winning and getting the support from the nation. It is during Sihlangu games that you see fans united and singing one tune. I think chances are there if we work really hard.

Times: Thanks for your time.
‘Mlilo’: It’s been a pleasure.

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