Former Man City legend praises Pirates star

CAPE TOWN – Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips was full of praise for his friend and former teammate Miguel Timm, saying the Orlando Pirates midfielder is his favourite South African footballer.

Wright-Phillips was in Cape Town yesterday, as PUMA South Africa hosted the EPL and FA Cup trophies as part of Manchester City’s global Trophy Tour.

Speaking to the media, the former City, QPR and Chelsea star recalled his time in the USA with Phoenix Rising, where Timm was his teammate.

Timm, now 32, spent two years at the Arizona club, before he returned to South Africa.

“I’ve got a friend that actually plays here and I played with when I was in Arizona, Miguel Timm, I think he plays with the Pirates and I think for me, he’s a phenomenal footballer,” Wright-Phillips told the small group of journalist attending.

“I think with his ability, I think he should have achieved a lot more because there’s not many footballers I played with, especially in the States, with his IQ level of football.” But Wright-Phillips said that sometimes it’s not only about talent but also opportunities, and logistics.

“I don’t think it’s as straightforward as ‘Oh, I like him, let’s go and get him,’” he continued.

“I think, politically, which I don’t know much about the deals and work permit. So I don’t really know how that works. But I think there will be a day when that will be overcome. Hopefully, it comes sooner just for the good of the sport, to be honest.”

When pressed about which South African player impressed him the most in his career, Wright-Phillips doubled down on the Pirates midfielder.

“I’m telling you the best South African player, I’m gonna keep saying the same, Miguel Timm,” Wright-Phillips insisted.