Former Chikwata player turns bishop
FORMER Zimbabwe Saints FC, Railstars and national team central midfielder Jimmy Phiri was a distinguished football player in his days but now has turned bishop for Holy Faith Apostolic Church.
His wife Janet Mbewe played a great role in influencing him to be a Christian.
“My wife greatly inspired me to consider being a man of God in 2012. I took the advice very seriously and formed my own church,” he shared.
Phiri revealed that he drew closer to God after he suffered a horrific injury in 2012 which saw his right hand being amputated.
“My injury made me a more prayerful man. It didn’t take long for my wound to heal although people created unfounded stories about my injury. I never looked back and I’m glad I overcame all that through God,” said Phiri.
He revealed that their Bulawayo church branch has a register of about 400 people although about 250 to 300 congregants meet every Sunday.
“We are using a classroom which we rent from Intunta Primary School to hold our services. We used to meet under a tree but we have now abandoned it. We are seriously considering buying a stand because our church membership is growing,” she said. Phiri said they have planted three branches in Gokwe. Born at Mpilo Central Hospital in 1960, Phiri did his primary education at Maphisa Primary School but could not pursue secondary education as his parents were not able to raise school fees for him. He then decided to pursue football as a career. He joined a Division Two outfit — Bulawayo Athletics FC in 1978. Before long Railstars FC scouts came calling and he fell for their call and joined the side in 1979.
A match that he fondly recalls is when Railstars drubbed Zimbabwe Saints in the Chibuku Cup knock-out competition.
“The match was played at B/F and we trounced them 4-0. That game remains special to me because it was my first match against a Super League side,” he shares.
While he was still trying to establish himself at the side Zimbabwe Saints scouts sweet-talked his father to influence him to join their side.
“They secured a painting job for me. I then joined Zimbabwe Saints in 1981,” he said.
At Zimbabwe Saints he played alongside John Sibanda, Misheck Sibanda, Josphat Humbasha, Ephraim Chawanda and Kenneth Mathe.
Chauya Chikwata as Zimbabwe Saints was popularly known was under the tutelage of Tendai Chieza, later on Roy Barreto assumed the reigns.
Phiri marks 1988 as his most exhilarating year in Chauya Chikwata colours as he helped the side to win a cup double.
“We won a league title and the Chibuku Cup. It was most exciting for us because we had broken the jinx as Zimbabwe Saints had gone for too long without winning any silverware,” he says.
His star power shone and was noticed by Coventry City FC scouts. Regrettably Zimbabwe Saints officials blocked the move.
“Coventry City officials had agreed terms with my agent but officials at Zimbabwe Saints blocked the move and that was a heavy blow to me as that move could have transformed my life,” he says with a frown.
His career profile continued to rise as he received a national team call-up. At the time the Warriors were under the leadership of Ben Kofi who managed the Zimbabwe national team between 1988 and 1992. He has ten caps with Zimbabwe national team. During his national team call-ups he played alongside Joel “Jubilee” Shambo, Moses “Bambo” Chunga, Madinda “Khathazile” Ndlovu, Brenna Msiska and John Phiri.
Phiri revealed that there was stiff competition in the midfield but he made a grade.
“There were good midfielders in the name of Joel Shambo and Shepherd Muradzikwa. Regardless of that I was part of the first team in all my involvement with the national team,” Phiri said.
Phiri revealed that during his playing days players used to sign a three-year contract with a team.
“During my playing days players used to sign three to five year-contracts with a club and that gave the coaches room to plan. As a result there was consistency and the team played as a unit and produced quality football that was entertaining,” he shared.
He observes that nowadays player movement is very high and that gives coaches a headache.
“These days players sign a six month-contract or one-year contract and are like mercenaries as they are after money. It is common knowledge that if a team is not paying well a player would decamp and join the side that pays well,” he observes.
Phiri says insufficient financial incentives in the local football scene have caused a fall in the standard of football in Zimbabwe.
“Most of the teams are struggling financially hence they fail to pay players their signing on fees, salaries and winning bonuses on time. As a result lack of motivation dampens the spirit of players and those who are capable or have the opportunity opt to play across the borders. Regrettably coaches have to make do with mediocre players or budding players,” he said.
In 1990 he felt age had caught up with him, as such he had to call time on his career. Phiri has advice to former players.
“Most of the football players lose hope after they retire from football because most of them have no fall back. But they have to turn to God because in God they will get life and peace,” he said.