MBABANE – The mandate for Manzini Wanderers players is now written in more than just league points; it is written in a teammate’s memory.
The club has called upon the squad to inherit the late Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule’s fierce belief that keeping Wanderers in the top flight was a hill he was always willing to die on. Currently rooted to the foot of the MTN Premier League log with eight points from 21 matches, they have only nine games left to pull a rabbit out of the hat and escape the dreaded drop zone. The hub giants have never been relegated in their history, and this is the task the club has set the squad in honour of the deceased.
Wanderers’ Director of Operations, Jerry ‘Mbazo’ Gamedze, speaking during a memorial service held two days ago, urged the players to preserve Mlaba’s legacy by rescuing the club’s top-flight status. He spoke at the Mater Dolorosa High School (MDS) Hall, which was filled to capacity as family, friends and the football fraternity gathered to pay their final respects to the fallen star.
Speaking on behalf of the ‘Weslians’, Gamedze described their former skipper as a dedicated servant of the maroon-and-white outfit.
“Mlaba always maintained that this team would never be relegated as long as he lived. That conviction set him apart from any other player. I urge you now to carry that belief forward. Honour his memory by ensuring we maintain our MTN Premier League status,” Gamedze charged the squad.
He recalled the 2022/23 campaign, where the former Mbabane Highlanders, Swallows, and Manzini Sundowns midfielder proved his worth.
Facing a relegation dogfight similar to the current season, ‘Mbazo’ said Mlaba rose to the occasion with a set-piece, scoring the winner against Red Rhinos, formerly Tambankulu Callies to secure a 2–1 victory. Gamedze attributed those three points as the catalyst for their survival that season, where they eventually finished 10th out of 14.
The club further announced the retirement of the iconic number 17 shirt in his honour. The Director of Operations stated that the jersey would only return to the pitch when Mlaba’s son, Tumelo, is ready to step into his father’s boots, identifying the youngster as the natural successor. The club then presented the Nkambule family with a signed portrait of the deceased’s jersey.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Leave a comment