Danny Phiri agrees personal terms with SA's Golden Arrows

CHICKEN Inn captain Danny Phiri has agreed personal terms with South African Premier Soccer League side Golden Arrows and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Durban outfit by tomorrow.

Chronicle Sport has it on good authority that Abafana Bes'thende, as Arrows are affectionately known, have an option to extend Phiri's stay in Durban should the Warriors' defensive midfielder impress during the two seasons.

Phiri will become the third player to leave Chicken Inn inside two weeks after strikers Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchelle Katsvairo completed their moves to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs last week.

Gibson Mahachi, Phiri's agent, confirmed that his move to Arrows is imminent.

"Everything with regards to Phiri's move to Arrows has been agreed on in principle. He should be signing his deal either tomorrow or Wednesday. Once he signs, he should be joining his new club for pre-season next week.

"As for details of the deal, I can't divulge them, but what I can tell you is that he is certainly going," said Mahachi.

Phiri impressed Arrows' coach Clinton Larsen two months ago when he went for a week-long trial with teammates midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu and striker Moses Demera.

Earlier reports had indicated Kutinyu had also made the grade, but Mahachi said the deal that he is working on is Phiri's.

The Harare-based soccer agent did not rule out the possibility of Kutinyu moving.

"Most South African clubs are starting their pre-season training next week and we will know what their plans are. I can't rule anything out, but we're keeping our fingers crossed," Mahachi said.

Phiri, a vital cog at Chicken Inn, played a key role in guiding the fast-foods outlets club to last season's title.

The former Railstars and Bantu Rovers player's superb 2015 form also saw him being crowned the Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year.

Moving to Arrows is a big step for the hardworking midfielder.

Chicken Inn have already started planning for the future without Phiri, with coach Rahman Gumbo indicating that he may lose more players during the window.

Gumbo fielded new signings Darryl Nyandoro and Christopher Samakweri, as his side dispatched Highlanders 2-0.

"Nyandoro and Samakweri played well, but they still lack match fitness. I'm not thinking of defending the title, but on building a good side because we will be losing at least two players during this window," said Gumbo.

Other Chicken Inn players expected to leave for greener pastures include central defender Lawrence Mhlanga, right-back Passmore Bernard, Kutinyu and goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.

Mhlanga, Bernard and Chipezeze are linked with moves to South African First Division side AmaZulu, who are now coached by Chicken Inn's championship winning gaffer Joey Antipas.