Algerians court Fodya, Phiri Jnr
After a string of impressive performances for Malawi national football team, Yamikani Fodya and Gerald Phiri Jnr, have caught the eye of Algerian scouts.
Nabil Neghiz and Walid Sadi, whose primary mission in Malawi on Sunday was to assess Algeria’s next opponent in the World Cup qualifiers, have since promised to facilitate the players’ moves to Algerian top clubs.
The Algeria national team assistant coach, Neghiz and team manager Sadi, had been keeping tabs on the players’ performances over the two legs against Tanzania in the World Cup qualifiers.
The two watched both matches in Tanzania and at Kamuzu Stadium as they ‘spied’ on the teams ahead of the first round tie against the winner in November.
In an interview at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday, Sadi said Fodya and Phiri had the potential to play at the top level, therefore, they would recommend them to Algerian top clubs.
“They are good young players who have confidence on the ball. The number 10 (Phiri) is very good and he can even play in Europe. He deserves to play in a better league. Algeria will be a good avenue for him to move to Europe because the top clubs have good connections with European clubs and scouts,” he said.
“The number 13 defender (Fodya) has good potential too. When we return home we will recommend the players to our top two clubs, Setif and MC Alger, that play in the Caf Champions League. The players need to play at the top level because they are that good.”
Setif are the current Caf Champions League champions while MC Alger have qualified for this year’s Caf Confederations Cup final where they will face Orlando Pirates.
Sadi said once they hold talks with the clubs, they would commence transfer negotiations with the players’ clubs.
Phiri is yet to make a debut for his South African club, BidVest Wits, as he is waiting for a South African residence permit.
Phiri underwent trials in Poland four years ago, but he was told to build on his stamina.
He is now a key member of the Flames squad, earning the confidence of the coaches ahead of seasoned campaigners such as Joseph Kamwendo and Frank Banda.
Fodya is enjoying game time at his club Big Bullets and he also won plaudits for his performance at the Cosafa Cup in June.
Bullets vice-secretary Kelvin Moyo said his club was open to any offer for Fodya.
“They just have to officially write us to express their interest in the player. We cannot block any players’ move. When they approach us, we can start negotiations about the transfer fee and other issues,” he said.
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