Zimpapers Logo

Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected] 

EVERY time he touched the ball, Barbourfields Stadium reverberated to the roars of thousands of Highlanders supporters screaming “Piki” as Archford Faira weaved his way past opposition players with Bosso comfortably ahead by three goals against Chegutu Pirates last Sunday.

Some might feel Bosso supporters unwittingly mock Faira by calling him “Piki”, a nickname derived from the shape of his head, but the love the supporters have for the player is undeniable.

His recent form is certainly not going unnoticed. 

It might still be early days, yet Faira is slowly but surely cementing his place as a crowd favourite at BF.

And the young man has the full backing and support of coach Kelvin Kaindu who believes the player is now “refined” enough to play for the Zimbabwe senior national team.

The Zambian expatriate believes Faira has remarkably transformed himself such that he may now earn himself his first Warriors call up.

“I think if I talk about (Archford) Faira, from the first game or from the first day I saw him at training, I knew we had a player that has a lot of quality.

“With the way he is playing, I think he is marketing himself for better leagues, he is now a national team player. He has been consistent in all the games that we have played and what we do at training, you can see him doing it exactly in the game,” said Kaindu.

 Faira is yet to receive a national team call-up. Despite facing competition from Divine Lunga, Jordan Zemura and Brendan Galloway, his impressive form suggests he deserves a chance. 

Faira boasts a perfect attendance record in Highlanders’ 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign. The team is leading the league after five games (four wins, one draw) and Faira has been a vital contributor.

Promoted from the youth ranks in 2022 by coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu alongside Darlington Mukuli and Romeo Zimba, Faira silenced concerns about playing time. He has become a key player for Bosso in the past two seasons.

Faira’s modesty is a complete contrast to his on-field dominance. He lets his skills do the talking, venturing upfront to create scoring opportunities. This is reflected in his goal for Bosso in just five games.

Faira’s signature “tuck in” throughout the match has further endeared him to the Bosso faithfuls. His dribbling skills and dedication have won over the hearts of many fans.

Meanwhile, Highlanders yesterday embarked on their longest away trip of the season to face reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium this afternoon. 

Fixtures:

Saturday

Bikita Minerals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), TelOne v Yadah Stars (Bata), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Highlanders (Baobab), Chicken Inn v Greenfuel (Luveve), Herentals v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)

Sunday

Simba Bhora v Dynamos (Wadzanai), Chegutu Pirates v Hwange (Baobab), CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v FC Platinum (Luveve)