Lebogang Phiri reacts to new deal in France post Turkey saga

The 29-year-old returned to his ex-club following months in limbo, having been left out in the cold by Rizespor, who appointed three different coaches in two years and appeared to lack stability in the Super League. 

Guingamp has only given Phiri a season, and the player spoke to SABC Sport about the latest developments. 

"Of course I would have loved to have a longer contract, especially because I feel like I'm going to a club that feels more like home than just a football club," Phiri told SABC Sport.

"Of course, the past three years I had, hopping from team to team, trying to gain rhythm and get back to my level of football, I think if I had gotten two years here [at Guingamp], I could give back to the club something they would deserve as well.

"Because they gave me an opportunity when nobody else wanted to take the risk, based on the fact that I was playing in Turkey and the politics behind the football."

Phiri, who moved abroad aged 13, joined Rizespor with much hope and great expectation after several years in France. 

He tells of the struggle to find a club because of his wages in Turkey. 

"The contract I had [in Turkey] was a bit too massive for certain amount of clubs, even in Ligue 1, and for a player who's not playing and earning such amounts, it was difficult for us to actually get a club that could say, 'Okay, we'll [match it],'" he explained.

"So all in all, I'm pretty content and happy with the fact that [Guingamp] still believe in my abilities and they're looking to give me an opportunity to get back to where I need to.

"And it's not like they're trying to get something out of it, they're just giving me the benefit of the doubt."

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