Nkosinathi Nhleko (born July 24, 1979 in Ermelo) is a South African soccer striker who currently is plays as a striker for Kaizer Chiefs:

[edit] Club career

Toni Nhleko is stocky built striker known for his pace and ability to hold up the ball and turn defenders not so much for his goal scoring exploits.

[edit] Jomo Cosmos

Toni Nhleko began his professional career with South Afircan club Jomo Cosmos, for whom he played from 1998 to 2002.

[edit] S.K. Brann

In 2002, Nhleko moved to S.K. Brann of Norway; although he appeared in 20 games, including two UEFA Cup matches, Nhleko had trouble adjusting to the climate and environment at Brann, and during the summer of 2003, was loaned to Major League Soccer's Dallas Burn for the rest of the season.

[edit] F.C. Dallas

Nhleko performed well in 11 games with the Burn, showing strength and power possessed by few MLS forwards, registering two goals and four assists while teaming well with Eddie Johnson. The team bought Nhleko in the 2004 offseason for a nominal fee, and he played a larger role in the team's 2004 offense. Appearing either as a substitute for Jason Kreis or a starter with Eddie Johnson, Nhleko played in 23 games for Dallas in 2004, 13 of them starts, while scoring six goals and two assists. He left the team after the season, coming back to the Cosmos.

[edit] Jomo Cosmos

He arrived for his second spell at Jomo Cosmos in January 2005 but his stay was short lived as he moved back Europe.Where he was signed by Roy Hodgson.

[edit] Viking F.K.

In July 2005, Nhleko returned to Norway to play for Viking F.K..He helped Vikings by socring to beat beat Monaco and Slavia Prague in the 2005 Uefa cup.

[edit] Hammarby IF

In August 2006 he was sold to Swedish club Hammarby IF. In August 2007 he was loaned out to Sandefjord Fotball until November 2007. He returned to Jomo Cosmos

[edit] Jomo Cosmos

His third stint at Jomo Cosmos proved to be fruitless.He failed to score a single league goal in a team who weer struggling to find goals to fight off relegation.He did however score a cup goal in a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in a Ned bank Cup Last 32 Round match.

[edit] Thanda Royal Zulu

After Jomo Cosmos relegation from the Premier Soccer League during the 2007/08 Season ,Nhleko signed for Thanda Royal Zulu on a Bosman free transfer.

[edit] International career

Nhleko has made ten appearances scoring one goal for the South African national team, playing in the 2004 African Nations Cup.

[edit] International Goals

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	2001-04-29	Maputo, Mozambique	Mozambique	2-0	3-0	COSAFA Cup

[edit] External links

• Nkosinathi Nhleko training with Ezenkosi
• Nhleko, Makaab to meet over Ezenkosi signing
• Cosmos will need Nhleko to be at his best
• Nhleko must find his touch in the league - Sono
• Thanda making sweeping changes in their kraal
• Career history at National Football Teams

v • d • e South Africa squad – 2006 Africa Cup of Nations 1 Marlin • 2 Tau • 3 D. Tshabalala • 4 Katza • 5 Mabizela • 6 Gaxa • 7 S. Tshabalala • 8 Gumbi • 9 Nhleko • 10 Vilakazi • 11 van Heerden • 12 Makhanya • 13 Issa • 14 Nomvethe • 15 Zuma • 16 Josephs • 17 McCarthy • 18 Mphela • 19 Masilela • 20 Nkosi • 21 Mere • 22 Phali • 23 Mokoena • Coach: Dumitru