| Player Profile | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lebogang Phiri |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1994 |
| Club | Caykur Rizespor |
| Position | Centre Midfield |
History of Lebogang Phiri
Lebogang Phiri was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. The soccer star grew up playing in Alexandra in the Gauteng province. Since the age of 10, Phiri has been playing soccer and he first played for local team Real Madrid, located in Alexandra.
Then, Phiri was recruited by another local team, Balfour Football Club and Shootings Stars, before Wits football academy signed him at age 14.
After impressing at Wits, Phiri was scouted by Danish club Brøndby and he joined their academy aged 18. Since then, the midfielder has impressed in Europe to become one of the best soccer players in South Africa.
Lebogang Phiri In South Africa
Although he grew up playing soccer in South Africa, most of Lebogang Phiri’s professional career has been spent abroad. To date, the midfielder has played in Denmark, France (for Guingamp) and he now represents Turkish Super Lig club Caykur Rizespor.
Although he has spent his senior club career abroad, Phiri has returned to represent Bafana Bafana regularly. The 27-year-old made his debut for the national team in an international friendly against Switzerland in 2015, when he came off the bench for a 20-minute cameo.
To date, Phiri has made five international appearances for South Africa, scoring one goal.
Lebogang Phiri International Career
Since joining Brøndby in his teenage years, Phiri has gone on to have an impressive international career so far. Below is an overview of his contributions to his clubs across Europe.
Brøndby
Phiri was recruited by Brøndby in 2013. Initially, he joined on an 18-month loan deal and played in the youth team. However, he soon earned his place in the senior team and excelled.
After ending the season strongly with Brøndby in the Danish league, Phiri earned his place as a hero at the club on the last day of the 2012/13 season. In the final game of the campaign, the midfielder’s last-minute goal against AC Horsens saved the club from relegation.
A strong start for Phiri earned him a four-year contract at Brøndby. The midfielder went on to make 145 appearances for the club across a four-year spell and he scored five goals.
Guingamp
After struggling to agree on a deal with Brøndby in 2017, Phiri eventually joined the French side Guingamp. Quickly, the South African international established himself as a regular in the Guingamp side, featuring in most Ligue 1 matches.
Even though Guingamp was relegated to Ligue 2 in the 2018/19 season, Phiri stuck with his side for the 2019/20 season. However, it would be his last in France as he joined Caykur Rizespor in 2021.
Caykur Rizespor
In July 2021, Phiri joined Caykur Rizespor on a three-year deal. However, the midfielder has struggled with injuries since moving to Turkey and has been in and out of the squad.
| Lebogang Phiri Teams | |
|---|---|
| Team | Period |
| Bidvest Wits FC Youth Development | 2009-2013 |
| Brøndby | 2013-2017 |
| Guingamp | 2017-2021 |
| Caykur Rizespor | 2021-Present |
Frequently asked questions about Lebogang Phiri
Below are some of the most common questions about Phiri and his soccer career.
Phiri plays for Turkish club Caykur Rizespor.
Currently, the player is worth an estimated £495,000.
Mostly, Phiri plays in central midfield. But, he is sometimes used in a defensive midfield role and he can also play as an attacking midfielder.
He is a right-footed player.