Keeper Knocked Out Chiefs With A Dislocated Thumb

Since then, Hleza has surprised football fans by revealing that he played against Chiefs with an injured thumb, so it was all the more impressive then how he made all those saves.

Having been injured in the week leading up to what was expected to be a once in a lifetime type of clash, the keeper faced a race against time to meet the Glamour Boys. Since it was an opportunity he couldn't miss, Hleza understandably was motivated to even play with the injury. 

"It was my left thumb, it dislocated. I had to grab the opportunity on playing (with an injured thumb).  I had to be there when Milford FC needed me the most," Hleza told GameON on Radio 2000. 

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Regarding how he was able to train during the week, the shot-stopper adds he didn't train thoroughly but used mostly his feet with the ball and avoided using his hands. 

At the same time, Hleza admits he was worried as time flew by with the match fast approaching, and he had feared he wouldn't be ready to face the Soweto giants. 

"No, I didn't train, I only trained on Friday, just taking it easy and see if I could catch the ball. I was only using my feet during the week; I wasn't using handling or my hands at all," Hleza said. 

"That's why I'm saying it's a dream come true because playing against Chiefs, it's every kid's dream. We grew up wanting to play against or to play for them. 

"So, I think when the opportunity came, I had to grab it. I was worried I wouldn't recover in time, but I think God was great because he managed to step in where I was needed the most," he added. 

Hlezi then went on to cap off his day by scoring the winning penalty in the shootout.