Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
STANDING at 1.92 metres and weighing 95 kilograms, FC Hunters goalkeeper Moreblessing Phiri cuts an imposing figure.
His huge frame could easily see him mistaken for a professional heavyweight boxer or a rugby fullback.
The 26-year-old’s physique has drawn comparisons with the late former Dynamos and Warriors goalkeeper George Chigova, who stood slightly taller at 1.95 metres.
Phiri is undoubtedly one of the biggest players in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
However, many fans still remember him for the costly mistakes he made in FC Hunters’ 3-0 defeat to league champions Scottland at Rufaro on July 4, when he gifted Mabviravira two late goals.
For those who have closely followed his journey, those errors were merely a small setback in an otherwise impressive rise.
Phiri has been FC Hunters’ first-choice goalkeeper since June 5, when he replaced the injured Kelvin Shangiwa.
Since then, he has featured in 11 consecutive league matches, keeping three clean sheets.
During that run, FC Hunters have recorded four wins, as many draws, and three defeats, helping coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera’s side move five points clear of the relegation zone.
With their league position improving, FC Hunters have now shifted their focus to the lucrative ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
They face Norton Big Boys in an eagerly anticipated Round of 32 clash at Ngoni on Sunday.
“It has been a decent run for me, and I thank my teammates for supporting me when I was down, especially after those blunders against Scottland,” Phiri told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup offers an attractive incentive, with the winners set to pocket US$1 million and secure a place in the 2027/28 CAF Confederation Cup.
“We are going to play a team that is full of veterans, which makes this clash very exciting,” said Phiri.
“But we have prepared well, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Norton Big Boys boast several former PSL stars, including Roderick Mutuma, Evans Gwekwerere, Oscar Machapa, Valentine Ndaba and Edward Sadomba.
For Phiri, playing in Zimbabwe’s premier knock-out competition is the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
Growing up in the mining town of Mhangura, he listened to stories about the copper miners’ famous cup exploits.
Mhangura famously reached the 1998 BP Cup final, eventually losing to CAPS United over two legs after a 2-1 defeat at Rufaro and a 1-0 victory at the National Sports Stadium.
Mhangura, located about 140 kilometres from Harare, produced a remarkable number of talented footballers, who included the Chieza brothers — Tendai, George, Itai, and Winston, who made their mark in the 1970s, Benjamin Zulu, Victor Phiri, John Phiri, Davison Gurajena in the 198os while Aaron Jani, Patrick Mandizha, and Moses Milanzi are among those who starred in the 1990s.
Other notable products of the town include Booker Muchenu, Aleck Masanjala, and Lovemore “Mukadota” Nyabeza.
“Yes, we grew up knowing our town was rich in football.
“We were told stories about Mhangura and the stars who played for the team.
“That inspired the current generation to try and match the achievements of those football legends.”
Phiri began his football journey in Mhangura before joining Kariba Waves in 2019.
He later returned home before a spell with PAM in Division One.
He revealed that FC Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera had monitored his progress for some time.
“Coach Saruchera had been tracking me without my knowledge. One day, he called me while he was still at Black Rhinos, but the move didn’t materialise.
“I am glad we are finally working together at FC Hunters.”
Having overcome the disappointment of his mistakes against Scottland, Phiri is determined to repay the faith shown in him by his teammates and coaches as FC Hunters also battle to retain their Premier Soccer League status.
“I expected to be dropped after that incident, but my teammates and the technical team stood by me.
“They encouraged me, gave me confidence, and now I am fully focused on
