Former Baroka FC’s Malawian winger Gerald Phiri Junior’s father has joined Nsingizini Hotspur FC in the Eswatini MTN Premier Soccer League.
Nsingizini confirmed through their facebook page to have recruited Gerald Phiri Senior ahead of the new season in Eswatini.
“Welcome, Coach GERALD PHIRI SR, we’re proud that you chose to join our team. We were thrilled to find someone with your abilities, ideas and great attitude.
“We’re so happy to have you on our team, Senior. We’re pleased you decided to join us. With your experiences we strongly believe you’ll stand with us and achieve a lot with our Team,” reads a statement from the club.
Nsingizini earlier wanted to hire another Malawian Meck Mwase but he declined the offer.
The Eswatini sides’s chairperson Derrick Shiba travelled to Lilongwe last week to sign a contract with Phiri. The duration of the contract is yet to be made known.
Nsingizini are campaigning in the top-flight league after acquiring the top-flight league status of Vovovo FC.
Phiri senior was a top striker for MDC United in Malawi before he ventured into coaching at the same team before moving to Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, Tigers and Blue Eagles.
The former Malawi coach’s last job was with Eagles the previous season but he was replaced soon after saving the team from relegation in the Super League.
Phiri senior also coached Malawi under-20 national football team and was also the assistant coach to then Malawi under-17 coach John Kaputa who guided the Junior Flames to the 2009 Africa Youth Championship in Algeria and the subsequent World Youth Cup in Nigeria the same year.
He has followed the footsteps of compatriots such as former Free State Stars coach Kinnah Phiri, Prince Mkandawire, Clement Mkwalula, Charles Manda and Meck Mwase who also coached in Eswatini, formerly called Swaziland.
Most fans in South Africa are familiar with Phiri Junior who played for Bidvest Wits, Platinum Stars, Ajax Cape Town and Baroka FC. Phiri Junior now plays for Al Hilal in Sudan.
