How ex-Arrows linkman is reviving his career after horrific injury
After a frustrating end of his stay at Golden Arrows, Zimbabwean linkman Danny Phiri has detailed how he is reviving his career.
Danny Phiri is arguably the best-performing former DStv Premiership player in Zimbabwe’s PSL at the moment.
The 34-year-old has two goals after nine rounds of fixtures, evidence that he is not yet a spent force.
When Danny Phiri left Golden Arrows, few thought he would play again after suffering a horrific knee injury.
The injury forced Danny Phiri to stay on the Golden Arrows treatment bed for over five months. This was during the 2020/21 season.
And this rather forced the KwaZulu-Natal side not to renew his contract, with indications that doctors said he might not be able to play football again.
The steady defensive midfielder, however, rose from the ashes like a phoenix, but still, his career remained troubled.
After leaving South Africa, he joined Singida Stars of Tanzania on a three-month contract, but he failed to spark.
WHEN DANNY PHIRI WAS REJECTED
Efforts to restart his career in Zimbabwe also hit a snag in 2022 when he was rejected by his former club Chicken Inn.
Ngezi Platinum Stars then under Benjani Mwaruwari, were also not keen to sign him after several engagements.
And it is Bulawayo Chiefs that eventually opened their doors. The midfield workaholic is now speaking with aplomb about how he revived his career against all odds.
“I kept believing in myself, I knew that I was going to play again. Obviously, I knew that if I keep on knocking on doors, I’ll eventually find someone who believes in me.
“Lucky enough, I found a coach [Lizwe Sweswe] who believed in me and gave me an opportunity to keep playing.
“When I was released from Arrows, I was in a different space, and all I kept thinking about was what I was going to do next.
“I kept on training, kept myself fit and kept communicating with the guys who were encouraging me.
“The biggest players right now in the world are above 35 years old, and they are doing well.
“I kept believing that I was going to come back and help the boys with my experience,” he told The Chronicle.
WHAT HELPED KEEP THE EX-ARROWS STAY AFLOAT
Danny Phiri revealed what made him thrive when he was unattached to any club.
“When I was injured, I went to the gym. I did a lot of personal training in order to keep fit and do the right things.
“Right now, the coach [Lizwe Sweswe] here at Bulawayo Chiefs has been a huge part of me trying to reinvent myself, giving me a huge role in leading the boys.
“I’m doing my best so far. It’s been working, and I’m happy about it. Right now, I’m concentrating on Chiefs and trying to help the boys to understand the Premier League in Zimbabwe.
“I also try to do a few courses, and if time allows, I want to play for two more seasons,” he said.
He was crowned Soccer Star of the Year in 2015 when he captained Chicken Inn to their only Zimbabwe PSL title.
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