Phiri insists Zungu and Dolly didn’t fail in France

Zungu and Dolly moved to Ligue 1 and spent six and five years in France respectively until both decided to return home, with the former back at Mamelodi Sundowns and the latter at Kaizer Chiefs.

Phiri, who joined Paris FC in Ligue 2 at the start of the season, argues that his compatriots fulfilled their ambitions.

"Honestly speaking, I think it tells from the individual. Bongz and Keagz, of course, got the opportunity to play in South Africa – they know the lifestyle there and they know the football, as well as the ins and outs in terms of the PSL.

"And I think, for the amount of years they spent in Europe and get to make the decision of going back home, it's not a matter of them having failed because they had done what they needed to do. They feel that they accomplished whatever their dreams were.

"They're my friends, I've always supported them – more especially Bongani, because we're so close and a lot of decisions he's made throughout his career in Europe, I think I might have played a small part in it because I gave him a little advice that I had.

"Having played for so long and having started [professionally] here. So, when he came to me and told me about all the offers he had throughout the whole world, actually, and still made the decision to go back home, I trust and believe that's the best decision he wanted to make for him and his family, and I respect that."