National Sports

Father, son clash in Blantyre derby

Bullets FC assistant coach Gerald Phiri and his only son Gerald ‘Papa’ Jnr, Wanderers FC left winger, are very close friends. They are more like brothers than father and son.

But their relationship got sour and tense for a few hours last Sunday courtesy, of the rejuvenated rivalry of an animal called the Blantyre derby.

The two ended up not talking to one another soon after Bullets beat Wanderers 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the Fellowship Association of Malawi Big Eight Bonanza.

It was Bullets’ first win over Wanderers in a competitive game in close to five years, hence reviving the strong rivalry between the two fallen giants and the two Gerald Phiris were not spared.

“This was a third derby we have met and we have always taken it lightly, shaking hands spiced by a hug and a joke after the game, but this time around it was different.

“I wanted to offer him a handshake but I changed my mind having noticed that he was bitter. As is usually the case, I waited to give him a lift home, but he just passed by me and boarded a minibus.

“He did not come home and went to sleep at his grandmother’s house. I tried to call him but he did not pick my calls, I have really felt the tension the derby brings,” said Gerald Snr.

As if this was not enough, the situation worsened at home where Gerald Snr’s wife Gertrude was also not in the mood..

Gertrude is a Wanderers diehard since her childhood days and, just like her son, she too was bitter with the loss.

“She was so bitter and accused me of instructing [Bullets] defenders to go hard on her son. After shouting at me for sometime she went to bed earlier, all because of the loss,” added Gerald Snr.

But such is the beauty of football that the following morning the situation normalised and the three back on talking terms.

“We always talk before any weekend games. After every game that [Gerald Jnr] plays we usually assess his performance together. I outline his weaknesses and strengths to ensure that he improves his game,” he said.

Some players in teams coached by their fathers have other stories to tell, but for Gerald Junior playing against his father means pressure to impress.

“I can play badly in other games but not against Bullets. That means I will not have peace whenever I meet my dad. In Lilongwe we beat them 2-1 and I enjoyed poking fun at him. I even celebrated in front of him after we scored the winner.

“Last Sunday it was his turn. In the second half, I was playing on the left wing close to the Bullets bench and when they were leading he was laughing at me whenever I made a mistake.

“At one time the ball went out for a throw-in. I rushed for it and he was in a position to control it. He pretended to stop it but left it to roll on and I was so irritated. But that was just part of the game,” said the younger Gerald.

He, however, said he is lucky to have a father, who is a coach and a former player, as he advises him on important aspects of improving his game.

“He is playing a big role in developing my game. He watches and encourages me. But he knows I am more skilful than he was and will go far if I work hard.

“It is rare in Malawi to have such a supportive father, who ensures that I take my football career seriously, but he also advises me on the need to work hard at school. I wish we could be on the same side one day,” he said.

Gerald Snr, however, said Wanderers are failing to utilise his son properly.

“He has got good pace, height and strength. He is good on set pieces and can score goals. But he is made to defend a lot. If they can give him a free role and let him take set pieces he can make a very big difference.

“But he needs to work on his body strength to be able to fight with big players. Otherwise, if he stays as focused as he is now he will go places,” he said.

Gerald Snr played for Wanderers in the seasons 1984-87 before moving to Railways United and then MDC United where he played until 2003. He also played for the senior national team.

Whereas the younger Gerald started his career at Brave Warriors in the Southern Region Football League in 2010 where he formed a deadly combination with Gabadinho Mhango, who is now with Bullets.

Apart from the Phiris, assistant national team coach Young Chimodzi Snr, who is also Blue Eagles’ technical advisor, has found himself in opposing camps with his son Young Chimodzi Jnr who plays for Escom United.

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