Phiri’s goal chalks 1st win for champs Wits
Done to perfection.Flames midfielder Gerald ‘Papa’ Phiri Jnr’s pure quality shone like a flare on Saturday night when he scored on his debut for South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bidvest Wits against Orlando Pirates.
His lone goal at Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg also helped the PSL champions earn their first league win this season.
“I was very excited to score in my first official game.
“I needed to make such an impression and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The goal will give me extra motivation,” said Phiri in an interview from Johannesburg yesterday.
In a match monitored on SuperSport channel 224 on digital satellite television (DStv), the lanky midfielder fired from close range barely five minutes into the game, giving Pirates’ goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands no a chance.
The win for coach Gavin Hunt’s side left them sitting in 13th spot in the 16-team log standings with five points from six matches.
However, Phiri was substituted in the 69th minute as fatigue took its toll. He was replaced by Eleazar Rodgers.
The 24-year-old had not played a competitive game for Wits since he joined them two years ago. He spent last season on loan at another PSL club, Platinum Stars.
Meanwhile, Flames captain Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava’s team Golden Arrows maintained the PSL top spot after holding Kaizer Chiefs to a goalless draw. They have 12 points from six matches.
Robin Ngalande’s Baroka FC also maintained their second position after playing out a one-all draw with Ajax Cape Town.
They are tied on points with Arrows, but are separated by a goal difference.
However, Ngalande is yet to make his debut for his new team. n
