The career of Lebogang Phiri will come full circle as he reunites with mentor Eric Tinkler at Sekhukhune United, some 13 years after the latter was instrumental in securing him a move to Brøndby in Denmark as a teenager.
Phiri was once among the most promising young players in South Africa and, at the age of 18, played a major role in helping Brøndby survive relegation in the 2012/13 season, only adding to the excitement around the attacking midfielder.
But he returns home more than a decade later with just eight Bafana Bafana caps to his name, the last coming in 2019 when he scored the winner against Sudan under coach Molefi Ntseki, and what many may view as unfulfilled potential.
Still only 31, there appears to be mileage left in his legs and he will have the chance to finish his career on a high on the domestic scene after six months as a free agent. During that period, he also held talks with Kaizer Chiefs following his July 2025 exit from French Ligue 2 side Guingamp, but a deal could not be reached and Sekhukhune coach Tinkler has stepped in.
The son of former Vaal Professionals player Esau Phiri, Lebogang was developed through the Wits academy under then assistant coach Tinkler and head coach Roger de Sa.
There were several players in that group earmarked for success, and a link-up with Brøndby opened the door for trials abroad.
The Wits academy was established in 2009 and Tinkler was hands-on as the man in charge.
Sibusiso Vilakazi, Kulegani Madondo, Darren Keet, Reyaad Pieterse, Phumlani Ntshangase and Letsie Koapeng are also graduates of the system, which was disbanded long before Wits sold their status to the ill-fated TTM in 2020.
Phiri was part of the very first intake and, along with goalkeeper Keet, enjoyed the most sustained international success from that group.
But his career has not quite panned out as he might have hoped during his 13 years in Europe.
BRØNDBY, DENMARK
Phiri initially joined the club on an amateur contract but, within weeks, was thrust into the first team as they battled to avoid relegation. He was a revelation, showing maturity beyond his years and scoring crucial goals. He helped them stay up that season and went on to make 143 appearances (112 starts), scoring nine goals. He was among their best players for much of that period, but by 2017 he was seeking a fresh challenge in a bigger league.
GUINGAMP, FRANCE
Phiri made the switch to then Ligue 1 side Guingamp and, while initially used mostly off the bench, cemented his place in the team in his second season. However, the club were relegated at the end of the 2018/19 campaign. After two seasons in Ligue 2, he moved to Turkey in search of top-flight football. He later returned to Guingamp, making 115 appearances (76 starts) and scoring one goal over two further Ligue 2 seasons between 2023 and 2025, though he was unable to help them regain promotion.
RIZESPOR, TURKEY
Phiri joined Turkish top-flight side Rizespor for the 2021/22 season, but it ended in disappointment as the club were relegated and he struggled to make an impact. It proved to be a poor fit. He made 17 appearances (11 starts) but never truly settled, and following relegation returned to France.
PARIS FC, FRANCE
Paris FC are now a Ligue 1 club, with their stadium famously located just across the road from Paris Saint-Germain, making it one of the closest rival grounds in world football. When Phiri joined them on loan for the 2022/23 season, they were still pushing for promotion and finished seventh in Ligue 2. He made 19 appearances (12 starts). After the campaign, he returned to Guingamp as a free agent from Rizespor and remained there until his release in July 2025.
