Lebogang Phiri

Last updated

Lebogang Phiri
Zen-Brondb (3).jpg
Phiri with Brøndby in 2016
Personal information
Full name Lebogang Lelani Phiri
Date of birth (1994-11-09) 9 November 1994 (age 29)
Place of birth Johannesburg, South Africa
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) [1]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
Guingamp
Number 18
Youth career
2004–2005 Real Madrid (SA)
2005–2008 Balfour Park
2008–2009 Shooting Stars Sports Concepts
2009–2013 Bidvest Wits
2013 Brøndby
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2013–2017 Brøndby 109 (7)
2017–2021 Guingamp 78 (1)
2021–2024 Çaykur Rizespor 16 (0)
2022–2023Paris FC (loan) 17 (0)
2024– Guingamp 9 (0)
International career
2016– South Africa U23 3 (1)
2015– South Africa 8 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 June 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13:47, 10 August 2020 (UTC)

Lebogang Lelani Phiri (born 9 November 1994) is a South African professional footballer who plays for Ligue 2 club Guingamp and the South Africa national team. Phiri is capable of playing in several midfield positions, but is usually deployed by his club and national sides as a central midfielder, in the role of a deep-lying playmaker.

Contents

Career

Brøndby IF

2012–13 season

Phiri joined Brøndby IF's under-19 team on 8 February 2013 on a long-term eighteen months loan from the youth academy of South African side Bidvest Wits. [2] He soon became a member of the first team, claiming a spot as a defensive midfielder in the line-up, due to injuries and suspensions. He made his debut (in jersey number 34) in the away game against OB on 28 April 2013 which was won 2–1. [3] Phiri retained his spot for the remaining four games of the season in which Brøndby were undefeated while scoring twice. On 20 May 2013, he scored the last-minute winning goal against AC Horsens that made Brøndby avoid relegation from the Danish Superliga.

2013–14 season

Phiri signed 28 June 2013 a new four-year contract which tied him to the club until the summer 2017. [4] He was officially promoted to the first team and handed jersey number 18. [5]

He had a rough start on the season as Brøndby IF decided to sign Martin Ørnskov as an reinforcement and replacement for him in defensive midfield. But Phiri found himself in the starting line-up after three matches with only 1 point and thereby pushed the team captain Mikkel Thygesen away from the defensive midfield in Brøndby's 4–2–3–1 system in the 2–2 away draw against Viborg on 9 August 2013. But yet again Phiri found himself back on the bench as Brøndby IF signed former Danish international Thomas Kahlenberg. [6] He returned to the starting line-up in November playing in a 3–0 home victory against Aarhus GF. [7]

2014–15 season

On 31 July 2014, Phiri made his Europa League debut in the starting line-up [8] in a 3–0 away defeat against Belgian side Club Brugge. [9] Following a winter mid-season preparation with much playtime [10] Phiri managed to settle as one of manager Thomas Frank's favourites which was rewarded with a call-up to the South Africa national team. He made his debut coming off the bench during the second half in the Bafana's 3–1 victory over Swaziland on 25 March 2015 which earned him a slot on the Wall of Honour at Brøndby Stadium. [11] [12]

2015–16 season

Phiri started the season with a slot among the starting-11 in a 9–0 home victory against San Marino side A.C. Juvenes/Dogana in the Europa League qualification. [13]

Phiri chose a new agent, former Danish international Søren Lerby to represent him during the forthcoming career decisions and contract negotiations. On 20 March 2016, Phiri was named MoM by both sponsors and supporters after a performance against Esbjerg fB. Afterwards, he revealed that he felt ready to take the next step in his career while being open for a contract extension with Brøndby IF. [14]

A week later, Phiri got his South Africa under-23 debut in the starting line-up in the 3–1 defeat against Brazil under-23 during the Olympic Games 2016 preparation before being substituted off during the half time break. [15]

Phiri crowned his season by winning the leading Brøndby dedicated media 3point.dk player of the season award, a prize based on the readers' votes after each game in the season. He had twice as many points as the club legend Daniel Agger who came in third after Frederik Rønnow. [16]

2016–17 season

During the pre-season Phiri represented South Africa U23 in the COSAFA Castle cup in Namibia where he started and led his team to a 3–2 win against Botswana. [17] He scored his first U23 goal (2–1) in the 5–1 semi-final victory against Swaziland. [18]

Phiri started contract negotiations with Brøndby after returning from COSAFA Castle Cup. Both the club and Phiri stated a common interest in an agreement but Phiri also said that he was keeping his options open. During the negotiations he revealed that Brøndby had rejected an offer from the Austria side Rapid Vienna. [19] After weeks of negotiations Brøndby decided to put pressure on Phiri as they rejected his wish of representing his country at the Olympics 2016 in Rio without a signed contract extension. [20]

On 28 May 2017, Brøndby announced that Phiri would leave the club at the end of his contract due to his ambition for a new challenge. [21]

Guingamp

On 30 May 2017, EA Guingamp announced that Phiri had penned a four-year contract tying him to the club until the summer 2021. [22]

Çaykur Rizespor

Phiri joined Süper Lig club Çaykur Rizespor on a three-year contract in July 2021. [23]

On 29 June 2022, Çaykur Rizespor announced Phiri's loan to Paris FC for the 2022–23 season. [24]

In the first half of the 2023–24 season, before moving to Guingamp in the winter transfer window, he did not make an appearance for Çaykur Rizespor. [25]

Second spell at Guingamp

On 1 February 2024, the last day of the French transfer window, Phiri returned to former club Guingamp, playing in Ligue 2. [25] He signed a contract until the end of the season with an option for another year. [25]

Personal life

Phiri hails from Alexandra and is the son of former Vaal Professionals player Esau Phiri. [26]

Career statistics

As of 28 June 2024 [27] [28]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Brøndby IF 2012–13 Superliga 520052
2013–14 21100211
2014–15 3012120342
2015–16 2834080403
2016–17 25030709 [lower-alpha 1] 1521
Total109791170911449
Guingamp 2017–18 Ligue 1 22030250
2018–19 24070310
2019–20 Ligue 2 25100251
Total7111000000811
Çaykur Rizespor 2021–22 Süper Lig 16010170
Paris FC (loan) 2022–23 Ligue 217020190
Guingamp 2023–24 Ligue 2900090
Career total22282211709127010
  1. Appearance(s) in Superligaen Championship round

International

As of matches played on 10 August 2020 [29]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
South Africa 201510
201631
201710
201810
201921
Total82
Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Phiri goal. [29] [30]
List of international goals scored by Lebogang Phiri
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
122 June 2016 Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek, NamibiaFlag of Eswatini.svg  Swaziland 2–15–1 2016 COSAFA Cup
217 November 2019 Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, South AfricaFlag of Sudan.svg  Sudan 1–01–0 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Honours

South Africa

Guingamp

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ousman Jallow</span> Gambian footballer

Ousman Jallow is a Gambian footballer who plays as a striker, most recently for Cypriot club Yenicami Ağdelen. He is featured on the Gambian national team in the official 2010 FIFA World Cup video game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronnie Schwartz</span> Danish footballer (born 1989)

Ronnie Schwartz Nielsen is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a striker. He has made a total of 27 appearances for various Danish national youth teams, scoring four goals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kamil Wilczek</span> Polish footballer (born 1988)

Kamil Antoni Wilczek is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a striker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johan Larsson (footballer)</span> Swedish footballer (born 1990)

Johan Erik Liebert Larsson is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a right back for Allsvenskan club IF Elfsborg. Beginning his career with IF Elfsborg in 2010, he represented Brøndby IF and Guingamp between 2015 and 2019 before returning to IF Elfsborg in 2020. A full international since 2014, he has won six caps for the Sweden national team.

Frederik Lucas Holst is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Faroe Islands Premier League club 07 Vestur. He also has represented Denmark at youth level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ali Adnan Kadhim</span> Iraqi footballer (born 1993)

Ali Adnan Kadhim Al-Tameemi is an Iraqi professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Saudi First Division League club Al-Najma and the Iraq national team.

Patrick da Silva is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a left back for Faroese club KÍ. He has also represented Denmark at youth level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Mikkelsen (footballer, born 1983)</span> Danish footballer

Thomas Korsgaard Mikkelsen is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Danish Superliga club Brøndby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andreas Maxsø</span> Danish footballer (born 1994)

Andreas Beyer Maxsø is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids and the Denmark national team. He is known for his strength, leadership and aerial ability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jens Martin Gammelby</span> Danish footballer (born 1995)

Jens Martin Gammelby is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Danish Superliga club Silkeborg IF.

Rezan Çorlu is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a attacking midfielder or winger for Danish Superliga side Lyngby.

Svenn Crone is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Eliteserien club Brann.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lebo Mothiba</span> South African soccer player (born 1996)

Lebogang Mothiba is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg and the South Africa national team.

Casper Højer Nielsen is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a left back for Turkish Süper Lig club Çaykur Rizespor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andreas Bruus</span> Danish footballer (born 1999)

Andreas Bruus is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Ligue 2 club Troyes. He has also represented Denmark at youth international level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morten Frendrup</span> Danish footballer (born 2001)

Morten Wetche Frendrup is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or full-back for Serie A club Genoa. He has been capped for various Denmark national youth teams.

Gregers Arndal-Lauritzen is a Danish footballer who plays as a left-back for Danish 1st Division club Hillerød.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anton Skipper</span> Danish footballer (born 1999)

Anton Skipper Hendriksen is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Eliteserien club Sarpsborg 08. He has been capped for Denmark at youth level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anis Ben Slimane</span> Tunisia international footballer (born 2001)

Anis Ben Slimane is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Sheffield United.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mathias Kvistgaarden</span> Danish footballer (born 2002)

Mathias Damm Kvistgaarden is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Danish Superliga club Brøndby.

References

  1. "Lebogang Phiri". Paris FC. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  2. Sorensen, Simon Møbjerg (8 February 2013). "Brondby sign 18-year-old African" (in Danish). tipsbladet.dk. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  3. Said, Nick (30 April 2013). "Phiri shines in Brondby debut". The Sowetan. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  4. "Lebogang Phiri gets four more years at Vestegnen" (in Danish). brondby.com. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  5. "New jersey numbers" (in Danish). brondby.com. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  6. Houlind, Søren (8 October 2013). "Phiri: I'll take my chances" (in Danish). bold.dk. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
  7. "Phiri aiming for Bafana call". football411.com. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  8. "Starting line-up against Club Brugge" (in Danish). brondby.com. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  9. "Phiri: Must keep focus" (in Danish). brondby.com. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
  10. "Phiri: Phiri seals the victory with a phenomenal goal against IFK GÖTEBORG" (in Danish). brondby.com. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  11. "Phiri's name on the wall of honour" (in Danish). 3point.dk. 29 March 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  12. "Phiri Makes His Way Onto Brondby's Wall of Fame" (in Danish). soccerladuma.co.za. 29 March 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  13. "Watch the nine Brøndby goals" (in Danish). 3point.dk. 3 July 2015. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  14. "Feels ready – Brøndby-exit ahead off Phiri?" (in Danish). tipsbladet.dk. 20 March 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  15. "Phiri and South Africa met there bane". 28 March 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  16. "Phiri – Player of the season" (in Danish). 3point.dk. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  17. "Phiri and ZA wins the COSAFA Castle Cup" (in Danish). 3point.dk. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  18. "Phiri scores in ZA win" (in Danish). 3point.dk. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  19. "Phiri would love to stay" (in Danish). 7 July 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  20. "Phiri would love to stay" (in Danish). 3point.dk. 14 July 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  21. "Phiri leaves" (in Danish). 28 May 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  22. "Phiri signes for four years" (in French). 30 May 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  23. Sang, Kiplagat (18 July 2021). "Lebogang Phiri: Caykur Rizespor sign ex-Guingamp and Bafana Bafana star". goal.com. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  24. "Lebogang Phiri, Paris FC'ye Geçici Transfer Oldu" (in Turkish). Çaykur Rizespor. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  25. 1 2 3 "Lebogang Phiri de retour à Guingamp" [Lebogang Phiri returns to Guingamp]. Le Télégramme (in French). 2 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  26. "Like father like son for Lebo". 10 June 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  27. "Lebogang Phiri " Club matches". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  28. "Brøndby - spillerprofil". Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  29. 1 2 Lebogang Phiri at National-Football-Teams.com
  30. "L. Phiri". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  31. "FT – South Africa 3 Botswana 2".
  32. Kezzouf, Youmni (31 March 2019). "Strasbourg remporte la Coupe de la Ligue aux tirs au but". Le Monde (in French). Retrieved 5 November 2023.