daniel chigunwe
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DANNY “Deco” Phiri, the 35-year-old Chicken Inn midfield enforcer, has dismissed speculation about his retirement, stating that he is still available to play for another season.
Phiri, who has had a great career with Chicken Inn and Golden Arrows in South Africa, revealed he is not yet ready to hang up his boots.
“I am still around to play. It’s not true that I have hung up my boots yet. If there is anything, I will surely let you know but, for now, I am still looking forward to delivering on the field of play,” Phiri said.
Phiri, who was a key player for Chicken Inn when they won the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in 2015, said he is eager to continue playing and contributing to his team’s success.
“I am not ready to retire yet. I still have a lot to offer and I am excited about the prospect of playing another season.
“I will continue to work hard and give my best and I am confident that I can still make a meaningful contribution to my team.”
Phiri’s decision to continue playing is a boost for Chicken Inn, who are said to be grooming him for a coaching role.
Sources close to the club indicate that Phiri is being lined up to take over as a coach at the club, following in the footsteps of Guide Goddard and Ben Nyahunzvi, who have both made the transition from playing to coaching at the team.
Phiri’s career has been marked by numerous highlights, including his stint with Golden Arrows in South Africa, where he played alongside fellow Zimbabweans Kudakwashe Mahachi, Devine Lunga and Knox Mutizwa.
He has also represented Zimbabwe in both the CHAN and AFCON competitions.
In 2015, he was crowned Soccer Star of the Year.
Deco began his career in the top-flight league with the now-defunct Railstars before signing up for Bantu Rovers, where he played in 2009 and 2010, before crossing the floor to Chicken Inn in 2011.
He played and captained Chicken Inn up to 2015 and attracted the interest of Golden Arrows in 2016. He played for Bulawayo Chiefs last year before re-joining the Gamecocks at the start of this season.
Online Reporter