Sekhukhune United have beefed up their squad in the current January transfer window with the acquisition of former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri.
Phiri joins the Betway Premiership side as a free agent following his departure from Guingamp last year in July, just five months after joining the club from Caykur Rizespor.
The 31-year-old central midfielder has been without a club since July 2023, after cutting ties with the French club Guingamp.
After he parted ways with Guingamp, he was heavily linked with a move to the Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.
In July 2023, Phiri revealed that he and his representatives engaged in discussions with Amakhosi before the club’s 2023/24 pre-season training camp in the Netherlands.
Phiri made this revelation while attending the Engen Knockout Challenge at Marks Park in Emmarentia in July last year.
“We had small talks with them, but I think it was the time they were going for a pre-season training camp abroad [in the Netherlands],” said Phiri.
“So, those [the negotiations] were stalled a bit. Hopefully, in the upcoming days, we will come up with something; if not, we will respect everybody who shows interest in me, whether it is locally or abroad.”
However, the negotiations between Phiri’s agent and the Glamour Boys never materialised.
WHAT SEKHUKHUNE UNITED SAID ABOUT THE SIGNING OF LEBOGANG PHIRI
The Limpopo club believes they have an experienced player in Phiri’s calibre and expect that he will help them finish better in the Betway Premiership.
“Sekhukhune United Football Club are delighted to announce the enlisting of former Bafana Bafana international, Lebogang Phiri’s services.
“The 31-year-old versatile midfielder has found a home with Babina Noko, following a 13-season European football career.
“His earliest stint was as a junior player at Danish Superliga side Brondby IF, where he was later promoted to the senior team and went on to make 109 appearances.
“From Denmark, Phiri moved on to France and Turkey – before returning to France to conclude his European journey with En Avant Guingamp.
“Phiri will be making his domestic professional league debut, when he turns out in the colours of Babina Noko – having come through the Bidvest Wits development ranks before making a direct move to Denmark early in his career.
“We welcome “General” to the Babina Noko family and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED CEO HAPPY TO HAVE LEBOGANG PHIRI ON BOARD
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune CEO Jonas Malatji stated that Phiri’s international knowledge will come in handy to take Babina Noko to greater heights.
“We are delighted with this acquisition, as Lebo brings both incredible talent and invaluable international experience. We look forward to his contribution as we look to finish strong this season,” said the club CEO, Malatji.
LEBOHANG PHIRI’S FIRST WORDS AS SEKHUKHUNE UNITED PLAYER
In addition, Phiri has expressed his thoughts after joining the Eric Tinkler-coached side, citing how happy he is to have returned to South Africa.
“After years of sacrifice anddedication abroad, the doors to home have reopened. Sekhukhune, thank you. It’s time to reintroduce myself.”
Phiri also had his fair share of play for teams such as the now-defunct Bidvest Wits, Brøndby IF in Denmark, and Paris FC of France.
Sekhukhune will return to action on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, when they lock horns with Stellenbosch FC at home in the Betway Premiership tie.
This game will kick off at 19:30 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
As things stand, the Babina Noko are placed third on the Betway Premiership table with 25 points after 13 outings. Sekhukhune are three points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates.
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