Gamecocks, former skipper Danny Phiri poised for r...

Gamecocks, former skipper Danny Phiri poised for reunion

Zim Now Writer

Former Chicken Inn FC captain Danny “Deco” Phiri is set for another dance with the Gamecocks.

He may be joined by Bulawayo Chiefs FC teammate, Obriel Chirinda who the fast foods-sponsored team wants too.

Phiri, an ex-Gamecocks skipper, who previously did duty for South Africa’s Golden Arrows, joined Amakhosi Amahle earlier on this year where he has successfully turned back the hands of time, courtesy of his five-star performances in the middle of the park.

Chirinda, a former Zimbabwe youth international, joined Bulawayo Chiefs a season and half ago after his divorce with the Gamecocks.

“Bulawayo Chiefs are our brothers and we enjoy a good relationship with them. Phiri and Chirinda are always welcome if they do happen to rejoin the family. We have previously worked with them and we are willing to accept them back.

“In that regard, we have officially written to Bulawayo Chiefs asking them about the availability of Chirinda. If our former captain (Phiri) is willing to retrace, we have no problem because he has been one of our good brand ambassadors. However, we will stand guided by our coaches,” said Gamecocks chairman Juta Tshuma.

However, the Chicken Inn boss confirmed that they have since signed Obert Malajila from Southern Region Division One side ZPC Hwange and attacking midfielder, Tadiwa Chibunyu, 28, who has scored two goals for Cranborne Bullets this season and has been impressive for the army side in the league.

Phiri, 33, joined Golden Arrows after inspiring Chicken Inn to the 2015 Castle Lager Premiership championship title and starring for the Gamecocks in the Champions League in 2016.

The former Chicken Inn skipper was one of four Zimbabweans on the Golden Arrows books with the others being Kudakwashe Mahachi, Devine Lunga and Knox Mutizwa and the quartet played regularly.

Phiri, who was prior to his move to Arrows, one of a few locally-based players to command a regular place in the Warriors African Cup of Nations squad.

He was a stand-out player for Chicken Inn as they marched to their maiden Castle Lager championship title under the guidance of Joey Antipas.

The midfielder was subsequently voted the Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year for 2015.

His performances for both the Warriors and Chicken Inn naturally attracted interest from foreign clubs.

The pacey and skilful Ngobuyenja-bred Chirinda is also reportedly on the Highlanders Football Club radar.

Bosso are said to have also made an official inquiry about the availability of their prime target Chirinda.

The mid-season transfer window opened on July 1 and Highlanders reportedly wrote to their social media noisy neighbours officially expressing interest in the player.

Just like Chicken Inn, this is the second time that Highlanders have reached out to Bulawayo Chiefs about the former Young Warriors striker, who is admired by Bosso coach, Baltemar Brito.

Highlanders tried to lure Chirinda to Bosso at the beginning of the year, but they discovered that the player had a running contract.

Chirinda signed a three-year contract when he joined Bulawayo Chiefs from Chicken Inn, with the club buying him a house last year.

Bulawayo Chiefs, who had a decent start to the 2023 season under their former coach, Lizwe Sweswe.

Sweswe, a former FC Platinum and Tsholotsho FC gaffer, has since parted ways with the Twitter Kings

Authoritative sources within Bulawayo Chiefs told this publication that the club is willing to release Chirinda only if Chicken Inn and Highlanders make “meaningful” offers.