Former Baroka FC star Gerald Phiri Junior’s father led Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs to the inaugural MoMo Cup on Sunday.
Nsingizini beat fancied Moneni Pirates 2-1 at Somholo Stadium to hand Gerald Phiri Senior his first silverware in the mountainous kingdom.
Nsingizini won despite having finished the game with 10 men following Sibusiso Masuku’s red carding.
Kitwa Kazadi had put Pirates in front on the stroke of half-time to lead 1-0.
However, the new kids on the block leveled matters with Thubelihe Mavuso’s 58th minute finish.
The final whistle ended with the teams deadlocked at 1-1, paving the way for extra time.
The numerical disadvantage did not deter Phiri’s men who scored an extra time winner through defender Pius Awuah’s penalty.
PHIRI DEDICATES CUP TO FANS
Phiri, according to Swazi Observer newspaper, dedicated his first career major trophy to the team’s fans.
“I dedicate the trophy to the supporters after they voted the team to the MoMo Cup. I would like to thank the players and president of the club for their support,” he is quoted saying.
Phiri’s team beat Rangers 3-0 in the semifinal that was highlighted by drama.
Rangers had, for some minutes, played with 12 players on the pitch after the referee failed to spot the incident in time.
Nsingizini walked away with R600,000 for winning the MTN-sponsored cup whereas Pirates pocketed R350,000.
Pirates coach Coaster Magongo is quoted as having rued missed scoring chances.
“We conceded a silly penalty in the added time that saw us losing the match. All in all, nothing is lost,” he said.
Nsingizini are campaigning in the top-flight league after acquiring the top-flight league status of Vovovo FC.
MDC UNITED LEGEND
Phiri Senior was a top striker for MDC United in Malawi before he ventured into coaching at the same team.
He then moved to Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, Tigers then Blue Eagles last season.
Eagles replaced Phiri despite having saved the team from relegation in the Super League.
Phiri Senior also coached Malawi under-20 team.
The CAF A Licence holder was also the assistant coach to then Malawi under-17 coach John Kaputa.
The duo guided the Junior Flames to the 2009 Africa Youth Championship in Algeria and World Youth Cup in Nigeria the same year.
Phiri Senior is the latest Malawian to coach in Eswatini after Kinnah Phiri, Prince Mkandawire, Clement Mkwalula, Charles Manda and Meck Mwase.
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.
