How ‘greed’ robbed retired Pirates star Phungwayo of a Man United move
Former Orlando Pirates defender Patrick Phungwayo has revealed how “greed” robbed him of an opportunity to play for European clubs, including English Premier League [EPL] giants Manchester United.
Phungwayo emerged as a talented left-back at Bidvest Wits before he went on to join the Buccaneers in 2012. After a five-year stay at Pirates, he then turned out for Free State Stars before taking a hiatus and ultimately concluding his professional career.
The former Bafana Bafana international has revealed that during his time at Africa Sports Youth Academy, he received offers to move abroad at a young age, prior to his breakthrough at Bidvest Wits in the PSL.
He says he was wanted by Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers and French clubs, saying “if it wasn’t for greed”, he wouldn’t have even played in the SA elite league.
He believes his academy’s excessive compensation demands blocked these potential moves.
PHUNGWAYO – ‘I WOULDN’T HAVE PLAYED IN THE PSL’
“I don’t think South African football would have known me to be honest with you,” said Phungwayo during an interview with FARPost.
“If I take it back, I’ve been around when I was young because teams like Manchester United invited me to come train there [in England]. Blackburn Rovers invited me when I was around the age of 17, 18, 19. I was still in the academy, so they came and scouted me in the academy.
“They wanted me to come then, and I’ve been around ever since. And I say, if it wasn’t for greed, I wouldn’t have played in the PSL. I had teams that really wanted me, that were interested, and because at the age of 16, 17, they can’t buy you, you’re still young. I couldn’t sign because people wanted money at that time.
“But I had solid offers from a young age before I was even recognised at [Bidvest Wits]. Hence, my story is a sad one, but it had a happy ending.
“I also had a team that was so serious about signing me in France; they wanted me right there and then, and I was still in school. They couldn’t sign me and pay the money because I was still young. They promised the academy that when I make it professional, they will then give them something. But because of things…
“And I was not going alone then, I was with Oupa Manyisa.”
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