Siphamandla Hleza: Milford FC Goalkeeper Opens Up About Career Journey After Nedbank Cup Heroics

• Siphamandla Hleza was the star for Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 32
• The Stallions beat Kaizer Chiefs 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in regular time
• The star goalkeeper saved a penalty in extra time and scored during the shootouts

Milford FC goalkeeper, Siphamandla Hleza, has opened up about the driving force behind his recent heroics in the Nedbank Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Stallions orchestrated one of the biggest upsets of the competition, eliminating Amakhosi 5-4 on post-match penalties after a barren draw in regular time.

Hleza made headlines for saving a penalty in extra time while also converting his spot kick during the shootout.

Reflecting on his career path in a recent interview, the shot-stopper stressed the importance of being in the right place at the right time. He acknowledged that previous setbacks did not define his abilities but served as learning experiences. He expressed gratitude for the support he found at Milford, which fuelled his passion for the game.

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"You could be in the right place, at the wrong time, which is what I believe happened to me when I was at Steenburg. I arrived at Milford at the right place, and at the right time. I have enjoyed my football. The love I get from Milford pushes me," said Hleza, as quoted by News24.

Hleza's defining moment came against the Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, where his outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

Hleza's football career path

Hleza's journey to success took a significant turn after facing setbacks in his career.

His prospects seemed bleak initially as he returned to his hometown of Ermelo, Mpumalanga, following a disappointing stint with Steenburg FC in Cape Town. Despite playing for several lower-tier clubs, including TS Sporting in Mpumalanga, he struggled to make a notable impact on the field.

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However, a pivotal opportunity arose when he joined Milford in KwaZulu-Natal.

The team's chairman, Xanti Pupuma, praised Hleza and the team for their resilience and determination, as reported by SNL24.

Siphamandla Hleza played through injury

Sports Brief reported that Pupuma stated post-match that Hleza had been carrying an injury coming into the game at FNB Stadium.

The keeper saved Ranga Chivaviro's extra-time penalty with a damaged finger.

Dr Pupuma stated his goalkeeper hurt himself earlier in the week, and the team was not the same without him.