FS Stars and Phiri part amicably
May 14 2008 11:23:57:253AM  - (SA)  
Teboho Setena

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However, the Stars camp downplayed speculation that Phiri would still head the senior team whilst his substitute from Ghana, David Duncan, would head the development team.

The Ghanaian will officially start on 1 June.

Mike Mokoena, Stars’ managing director, indicated he was also pleased with the coaching credentials of Duncan.

He had a successful spell as head coach of the Ghanaian giants Ashanti Gold and the national u.17 team in his home country.

The team’s management has issued a statement in which they confirmed they agreed on terms with Phiri to part ways amicably.

He returns to his native country of Malawi to coach the senior men’s team – The Flames.

Phiri, who had a superb stint this time around at Ea Lla Koto, gave further coaching studying as the main reason for his leaving.

His first spell during the 2005-’06 season was brief and was characterised by various challenges, given that the club was contesting relegation.

“Stars recalled me straight from England where I was furthering my coaching career. I now have to continue with the UEFA A Licence Coaching. It was difficult to do so while full-time coaching Stars. I’m very happy given I delivered to the mandate of the team. I certainly will miss everything which involves the club, the guys in the technical team and the players, as well as the media guys who have been good to me. All these positive elements made my stay at the team and in South Africa memorable.

“It gives good reason to reconsider coming back with Stars the priority once I have completed my coaching study. There is certainly no bad blood between myself and the Stars management,” said the thrilled Malawian-born mentor.

Rantsie Mokoena, Ea Lla Koto’s brand manager, stated that Phiri’s last match was against Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday in Pretoria.

“Phiri was a father-figure to the team and as such a humble character. We’ll certainly miss the man. His contribution regarding the club’s mandate is worthwhile. He deserves praises and we are proud that he contributed positively to this team’s legacy,” Mokoena said.

Among the highlights of Phiri during this term is success to guide Ea Lla Koto to two cup semi-finals – the Telkom Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup – and helped three players break into South Africa’s senior men’s team.

Mokoena said a grand send-off in the form of a gala dinner for Phiri, affectionately known as Kiwi to the Stars camp, would be held today. He said that would be after their Absa Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates.

“We have planned to give the man a deserving farewell as it’s our last home match of the season. He has done wonders for the team,” Mokoena said.

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