Chronicle Editor
Dalubuhle Sibanda
WHEN reaching for the stars during the historic Moon Landing of 1969, one man, Michael Collins, stayed behind in the Lunar Module so his friends could take the first steps on the moon. In local football, Lawrence Phiri embodies this spirit of selflessness and dedication, supporting and nurturing talent from behind the scenes.
Phiri’s selfless nature was exemplified when he had the opportunity to attend a coaching course in Brazil. Instead of seizing this chance for himself, he generously passed it on to his childhood friend and teammate at Highlanders, Barry Daka.
The rest, as they say, is history. Daka went on to become one of the most decorated football coaches in the country, enjoying significant success with national teams, including the famous 1995 All-Africa Games campaign.
Ironically, it was Daka who introduced Phiri to the Highlanders junior team back in the 1960s when they were just 10-year-old boys growing up in Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb.
Their friendship, written in the stars, has spanned decades and culminated in a wealth of silverware as both players and technical staff at Highlanders.
Together, they also served as sports officers at the Bulawayo City Council, overseeing youth centres that became breeding grounds for future Highlanders stars like Makheyi Nyathi, Benjamin Nkonjera, and the Ndlovu brothers, Madinda, Peter and the later Adam.
Having initially joined Highlanders as a goalkeeper, “Lofty,” as he is affectionately known by fans, quickly proved to be a versatile utility player. He played as a goalie, defender, and striker — an impressive feat even in those days. Phiri broke into the senior team in 1969 when then-coach Ananias Dube called him in as goalkeeping cover.
Phiri was part of the first Highlanders team to taste major domestic cup victories, lifting the Chibuku Cup in 1973, followed by a regional league treble between 1973 and 1975.
This team is regarded as one of the best-ever assembled in Highlanders’ history, featuring blockbuster names like Bruce Grobbelaar, Edward Dzowa, Boet Van Ays, Martin Kennedy, James and Josiah Nxumalo, Stanley Nyika, and of course Daka. Their brand of football was superb and entertaining, leading the Highlanders faithful to nickname the team “Liverpool.”
This stellar cast rubbed shoulders with South Africa’s golden generation, with teams like Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows bringing stars like Jomo “Black Prince” Sono and Ace “Computer” Ntsolongoe to Southern Rhodesia on tour. This reciprocal tour culture opened doors for Highlanders players to other leagues and thrilled fans with exciting exhibition matches.
With the dawn of independence, Highlanders lifted the first cup double in Zimbabwe’s inaugural football season, clinching the Heroes Cup and the Chibuku Cup. These would be the last pieces of silverware in Phiri’s glittering career, which spanned over a decade, concluding after the 1982 season. Little did he know the lofty heights he would reach in the next chapter of his Highlanders journey.
As fate would have it, Phiri would join forces with his friend Barry Daka at Highlanders as team manager and Daka as team coach to form a formidable technical team. So ruthless was their side that they dominated the local league from the mid-80s into the 1990s, sweeping almost every piece of silverware in their path.
Incredibly irresistible was this Highlanders machine that even musical icons of the time, Zex Manatsa, Lovemore Majaivana, and Ndux Malax, put pen to paper and coined lyrics to hit songs saluting the “Cup Kings”, songs that still make the match day soundtrack to this day.
Phiri’s leadership was instrumental in the club’s success. He was not just a manager; he was a former player who excelled in every position during his career, a one-club hero who even resisted the Olympics breakaway of 1976.
His playing style was characterised by remarkable agility, vision, and strong tactical awareness, a cool-headed penalty specialist who never missed. This created the perfect cocktail for a good manager.
Phiri is remembered not only as a great player and manager but also as an exceptional administrator. His contributions to local football have left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
His influence has gone beyond borders; in Botswana, he is an administrative legend credited with turning Notwane FC into a force in the Botswana Premiership. A man born to make others shine!
Online Reporter