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Tadious Manyepo in JOHANNESBURG
HE might have made only two appearances across all competitions for English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, but Joey Phuthi’s potential has not escaped those who select the Warriors squad.
At 19, Phuthi is still a greenhorn but that is hardly noticeable with the intensity with which he is training ahead of the Warriors’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa.
His national teammates have nicknamed him Doku.
The name is borrowed from Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.
The winger hasn’t touched a ball in a Warriors shirt, though.
After his first call-up into the national team for the Four Nations tournament in Malawi three months ago, Phuthi was only thrown into the fray in the final match against Kenya with hardly a minute to play.
He is eager to show what he can do if he is given a chance.
“I am obviously eager to play a big role for the Warriors. I know I am ready for the task and that’s what I am here for,” said Phuthi.
“I am loving the vibe and everything in the camp and that makes me hungrier to play for my country.”
Phuthi said the secret for the Warriors lies in creating and putting away chances given the tightness which is likely to characterise both games.
“We need to make use of our chances, obviously, and just make sure we hit the target whether it’s a set-piece or open play.
“Games like these are very tight so we need to be clinical, putting away every chance that we get.
“I see all the positions in the field are very good so there should be no reason why we should fail to deliver.
“I can’t promise much you know but if I am given a chance to play, well, I want to bring that pace on the wings. I thrive more on creating scoring chances by getting into the box.”
The dreadlocked speedster said he is enjoying playing with all the members.
“I am working hard at training and, if given a chance, I will showcase what I am made of. I am ready to have a go and help my country qualify for the World Cup.”
Online Reporter