Bonephanseo Phiri, a Zambian young star says his time with Georgian side Locomotive Tbilisi has been an important learning experience as he looks to rebuild his career and pursue bigger opportunities in European football.
Phiri, the 21-year-old former Kafue Celtics striker says this season has helped him develop both on and off the pitch, adding that it has provided an opportunity to regain his form following a spell of injuries.
“It has been a great learning experience. I’ve improved both as a player and as a person during my time at the club,” Phiri said in an exclusive interview.
The forward’s immediate target is to improve his goalscoring output while returning to his best after multiple injuries kept him away from football for about a year.
“My target is to improve my scoring, regain the form I lost after multiple injuries that kept me away from football for about a year, and prepare myself for bigger challenges ahead,” he said.
He added that playing in Georgia has broadened his understanding of the tactical demands placed on forwards.
He says the experience has particularly improved his positional discipline when operating centrally, while also teaching him how to adapt between different attacking roles.
“Playing in Georgia as a forward has helped me understand positional discipline, especially when operating in the central space, and how to receive the ball in the half space when necessary, depending on the tactical approach,” he explained.
Aims to represent Zambia.
Phiri has developed his ability to operate from the wings when required, adding another dimension to his attacking game.
The experience of playing in Europe has strengthened his ambitions, with the youngster now targeting higher levels of competition.
“It has made me believe in myself even more. I now want to challenge myself at higher levels of European football,” he said.
Beyond his current spell at Locomotive Tbilisi, Phiri has set his sights on continuing his progression and eventually representing Zambia at the highest level.
“I want to keep progressing, play at the highest level possible, and hopefully represent my country at the highest level, to make Mother Zambia proud as a son of the soil.”
READ ALSO : Keith Mweemba Leaves National Team Technical Committee.
