Gerald Phiri Jnr steals Zim hearts

Former Mighty Wanderers winger Gerald Phiri Junior was at his imperious best in Caps United’s 3-0 win over Shabanie Mines at Harare’s National Stadium on Sunday.

Phiri was named man-of-the match third individual award in the Zimbabwean Premiership this season and his first goal since signing for the Harare giants last season during which time he had trials in Poland. He told The Herald that he was excited with the award.

“I have been scoring at training but in games the goals haven’t been coming….My coach has been encouraging me game by game. He has kept assuring me that one day the goal will come and I am happy today (Sunday) I managed to do it. I just hope to continue with the scoring form,” Phiri is quoted as saying on www.herald.co.za/caps.

So competitive is the Zimbabwe league. Phiri’s compatriot Ishmael Thindwa, who featured as a substitute last week in a 3-0 loss to Chapungu, did not make it in the playing squad on Sunday, whereas defender George Nyirenda’s move is yet to be finalised.

The newspaper reported that Phiri sealed the game in added time after striker Pervington Zimunya and left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai, had put Caps in the driving seat with goals either side of half-time.

“There is still a long season ahead and all I want to ask for from our fans is patience. I am sure we will deliver at the end of the year if we keep focused as one family,” Phiri, who was Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango’s team mate at Brave Warriors, added.

“Our away record has not been good but I believe it takes one game to break the jinx. It starts with that one game, we might not know when that will be but we are asking our supporters to come along with us for our next game and hopefully things will work out in that match.”