Deco joins Gwanda Pirates

FORMER Warriors captain, Danny “Deco” Phiri has joined ambitious Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) Central Region Division One side, Gwanda Pirates.

The development was confirmed by Gwanda Pirates head coach, Johannes Ngodzo.

“We greatly need his (Phiri’s) experience in our team. I am glad that he has actually agreed to the terms and conditions. As a team, we need so much depth to compete well,” said Ngodzo.

Phiri, a veteran of many football battles after having played for Railstars, Chicken Inn and Bantu Rovers, expressed his optimism that he will do well in Gwanda Pirates colours.

“It’s a new challenge for me, but I am very confident that it’s going to be a brighter season. It’s all about becoming a team player and making sure you play for the badge,” said Phiri.

Following his release by Chicken Inn, ahead of the 2025 season, Phiri believes his legs can still carry him.

Phiri (35) retraced his steps to the Gamecocks last year after one season at Bulawayo Chiefs.

He joined Amakhosi Amahle after parting ways with South Africa’s Golden Arrows, a club he joined after being exported by Gamecocks in 2016. He amassed 97 appearances for Abafana Bes’thende across all competitions in his defensive midfield role.

At Golden Arrows, Phiri was one of four Zimbabwean players, alongside Kudakwashe Mahachi, Devine Lunga and Knox Mutizwa.

The quartet played regularly and prior to his move to Arrows, Phiri was one of the few locally based players to command a regular place in the Warriors Africa Cup of Nations squads.

He was a stand-out player for Gamecocks as they marched to their maiden Castle Lager Championship under the guidance of Antipas and Prince Matore.

The midfielder was subsequently voted Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year in 2015 after producing stellar performances alongside Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Clemence Matawu, Lawrence Mhlanga, Thomas Chimenya, Guide Goddard, George Majika, Passmore Bernard and Thabani Goredema, among other talented players.

Crowned champions in the Zifa Southern Region Division Two League last season, Pirates have embarked on a massive player recruitment exercise that has seen them linked with other veteran players, including Joel “Josta” Ngodzo and Welcome “Waroowa” Ndiweni, among others.

Gwanda Pirates has also made a name for itself in the social media space with its vibrant and creative presence.

Based in the mining community of Gwanda, the club has become a favourite among the locals, with its steady and penetrative influence.

Drawing inspiration from relegated Premiership side Bulawayo Chiefs, Gwanda Pirates have earned the nickname “Twitter Kings” for their informative and entertaining posts.

The team is motivated by the love of the game and the hunger of young people who want to play football. — @FungaiMuderere