Former Tigers player still ticking at 55

Former Tigers FC defender Kelvin Zeka Phiri, who quit active football 30 years ago, is a must-watch player in the ongoing Justice Katika Football Trophy at the Desert ground in Bangwe Township, Blantyre.

For a father of 13 children and grandfather of 25, his pace and body-swerves have been unbelievable. He has single-handedly helped Zathu Rangers secure a second slot in the competition’s nine-team Group A.

The 55-year-old, who played alongside the likes of the late Jonathan Billie and Sosten Zakazaka in the 1970s, is an inspiration to many youngsters in Bangwe.

“I have noticed with great concern the recent trend whereby certain people call for the retirement of some Flames players who are as young as 35 saying they have grown old. I would like to prove that age is not a limit in soccer as long as one keeps himself or herself fit,” he said.

The player who is nicknamed ‘Aliphi’ has so far scored four goals. He founded Rangers in the late 1980s.

Then, the side used to participate in the Press Cup and the Blantyre and Districts Football League.