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Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
THE Danny Phiri camp yesterday remained tight-lipped about where the talented defensive linkman would be playing this season.

Phiri’s contract with Chicken Inn ended on December 31 and the star anchorman is at the moment linked to a number of clubs in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

He had a magnificent Chan tournament in South Africa at the beginning of last year. He however appeared not to have carried the same form to the domestic league but still stayed a key member of Joey Antipas’s rebuilding side where competition was hot with Thabani Goredema and Brian Juru outstanding in that department.

Contacted for comment yesterday his manager Fortune Chisale said there were several options for the boy. He said they were not in a hurry to sign a contract as the player’s progression on the field was something that they were looking at.

“It was at Chicken Inn where he blossomed as a player. The environment was good for him to develop and build his own profile so it’s one thing we would have to take into consideration,” said Chisale.

Three local clubs have entered the race for his signature with Chicken Inn eager to wage a serious challenge this season as they are keen to retain him.

Dynamos and Highlanders both want his service.

“There is so much interest in the player from clubs in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. I am not at liberty at this stage to disclose who could be his next employers because of the confidentiality at Jecloa Soccer Management Company. This may derail negotiations as the media frenzy takes centre stage,” said Phiri’s manager.

But sources close to the player last night said Highlanders remain his first choice.

“He is a Bulawayo boy who grew up like most of us supporting Highlanders. He is excited about the prospects of working under Bongani Mafu and re-uniting with his former boss Mandla Mpofu at the club.

“As things stand Bosso are leading the race. Dynamos have however piled pressure for him to sign but with Stephen Alimenda in top form, it would not be ideal for him to move there,” said a source close to the player.

Highlanders have not had a regular anchorman in the last two seasons and the void appeared to have been perfectly filled by Felix Chindungwe in the last half of 2014.

There is a likelihood of Chindungwe being forced to compete for a starting centreback role with Innocent Mapuranga, Dumisani Ndlovu, Lindelani Ncube and Erick Mudzingwa.

Still Phiri could be used in a familiar double defensive link role with Chindungwe and Mudzingwa and allow the coach to play wingers and an effective centre forward.

Highlanders like they have done in the last two decades, will start among the favourites for various pieces of silverware.

There is renewed hope that the shrewd Mafu who has been given an initial one-year contract, will be a success story.