Know your Warriors: Joey Phuthi

Innocent Kurira

IN August last year, Zimbabwean teenager, Joey Phuthi put pen to paper on his first ever professional contract, joining England’s Skybet Championship side, Sheffield Wednesday.

It was the start of many beautiful things to come for the 19-year-old Zimbabwean defender ,who would go on to make his debut four months later in December when he played for only a few minutes in a game that they won.

Phuthi came on as a second half substitute for Sheffield Wednesday in their 2-0 loss against Coventry City.

Phuthi was introduced as an 84th minute substitute and played the remaining part of the game. That appearance also marked his senior and professional debut with the Owls.

He was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 12 before going on to join Sheffield United’s academy a year later at the age of 13. He was promoted to their Under-21s in July of 2021 on a scholarship deal before his big break.

In his last Championship appearance for Sheffield Wednesday, Phuthi has had one appearance. He also featured – coming in as a substitute – in their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Coventry City in the FA Cup.

Phuthi was part of the 23-man Warriors squad that former coach Baltemar Brito had drafted and wanted in camp during the upcoming Fifa-break.

Brito, had targeted a number of players, who have Zimbabwean roots. Phuthi was one of the preferred players alongside Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield) and Munashe Garananga (KV Mechelen).

The Warriors are yet to get a coach appointed before the next international break.

Zimbabwe will take part in a four-nation tournament during this year’s first international break in March.

The national team will travel to Malawi for the mini tournament, which will involve the hosts, Zambia and Kenya.

The development was confirmed by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in a statement.

FAM, said another tournament involving Under-20 sides from the invited countries will take place, concurrently.

“The Football Associations of Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are pleased to announce that our four nations have agreed to hold joint football tournaments during the upcoming Fifa international window between 18-26 March, 2024 in Lilongwe, Malawi.

“The first tournament will feature the senior men’s national teams (A-teams) of our four countries. This tournament presents a valuable opportunity for our national teams, to face quality opposition in preparation for upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2025 Afcon qualifying campaigns.”