Toni Nhleko

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Nkosinathi "Toni" Nhleko (born July 24, 1979 in Ermelo) is a South African soccer striker, who as of 2006, plays for Hammarby.

Nhleko began his professional career with South Afircan club Jomo Cosmos, for whom he played from 1998 to 2002. 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. 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. In July 2005, Nhleko returned to Norway to play for Viking F.K.. In August 2006 he was sold to Swedish club Hammarby IF.

Nhleko has made eight appearances for the South African national team, playing in the 2004 African Nations Cup.

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