Gerald Phiri Jnr off to Zimbabwe

Patience has paid off for Mighty Wanderers midfielder Gerald Phiri Junior who left on Friday for trials at Zimbabwe’s Caps United where a two-year deal is at stake.

Wanderers general secretary David Kanyenda on Sunday said Caps initially wanted Phiri alongside Foster Namwela. But the latter has since signed for Mozambique’s Ferroviaro de Nampula.

“They will have a look at him. He may not come back as the Zimbabwe league is in progress. The matter is out of our hands. They will tell us the way forward; otherwise, we agreed on the transfer fee,” he said.

“We have an idea about his personal terms. We wanted to see the contract so that the player’s interests are protected. It is a handsome package [the player’s perks].”

The Zimbabwe players’ transfer window closed a few days ago, but Kanyenda insisted that they would ensure the deal goes through. Only free agents sign outside the window.

Kanyenda was reluctant to disclose the transfer fee. A fee the two parties agreed earlier was around $15 000 (K6 million) and $20  000 (K8 million) for Phiri and Namwela, respectively.

Kanyenda said Wanderers would be entitled to 15 percent in the event that Phiri is re-sold as “he is a world-class player; in a few years, he should move to South Africa or Europe.”

The 19-year-old announced his departure on Friday through Facebook.

Gerald Phiri Senior on Sunday said his son was undergoing an assessment “and, as parents, we wish him well. If he makes it, it will be proper for him to come and say bye to his club.”

Caps owner Twine Phiri and chief executive officer Joe Makuwire were unavailable.

A source on Sunday said Caps are struggling financially following the departure of their big financier Farai Dube.