Lebogang ‘The General’ Phiri will make his debut local league appearance in Sekhukhune United colours after years spent abroad in Europe from his tender football years. Photo: Supplied

Former Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri’s career has been given a new lease of life after the well travelled midfielder signed on the dotted line for Sekhukhune United, making it his first ever team in the local league.

Throughout his football career, Phiri has always been based abroad and accomplished a 13-season European football career, with his earliest stint as a junior player at Danish Superliga side Brondby IF, where he was later promoted to the senior team and went on to accomplish 109 appearances for the side.

From Denmark, Phiri, better known in Europe as ‘The General’ in recognition of his skills as the midfield maestro, moved on to France and Turkiye, before returning to France to conclude his European journey with En AvantGuingamp.

“We’re delighted to have acquired a man with such a reputation as Lebo brings both incredible talent and invaluable international experience to the team.

“We look forward to his contribution as we look to finish strong this season,” Sekhukhune United CEO Jpnas Malatji said.

‘The General’ will be making his domestic professional league debut, when he turns outin the colours of Babina Noko, as Sekhukhune is avidly known to its fans, having come through the development ranks of the now defunct Bidvest Wits FC before leaving for Denmark early in his career.

“After many years of sacrifice and dedication abroad, the doors to home have reopened and I would like to take this opportunity and thak Sekhukhune. It’s time to reintroduce myself to football fans in my home country,” Phiri said.

“We wish ‘The General’ a fruitful relationship with the Babina Noko family and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” Malatji added.