Phali treasures his playing days
After he retired, Phali became a Jomo Cosmos’ goalkeeper Coach, imparting his skills to up and coming goalkeepers.
SEBOKENG. – Former Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Avril “Chawe” Phali is one of the players who has served football with distinctions.
Sedibeng Ster Sport recently tracked Phali to his home in Zone 13, Sebokeng, to find out what life holds for him after football.
Just like his former boss, Jomo Sono, Phali has an entertaining sense of humour and while speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, he expressed how grateful he has been for football in his life saying, “If it wasn’t for football, I would have been nothing.”
“Chawe”, as Phali is affectionately known in football circles, said that he will always cherish playing for a club boasting some of the best players this country has ever produced, Jomo Cosmos.
As if this is not enough, Phali said playing for Orlando Pirates, even if it was for a short stint, will go down as one of the highlights of his football career. At Cosmos, Phali played alongside players such as Lucky Mhlathi, Andrew “Jaws” Raputla, Nkosinathi Nhleko, Godfrey Sapula, Dikgang Mabalane, Bongani Theletsane, Bamuza Sono, Gerald Modabi and Mokete Tsotetsi to mention but a few.
After he retired, Phali became a Jomo Cosmos’ goalkeeper Coach, imparting his skills to up and coming goalkeepers. 
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Bra J (Sono) for the person who I’m today. He was like a father, not only to me, but
all of us.
“ I was lucky to play for his club because he was one of the greatest players during his days. I couldn’t believe it when he approached me to play for his team. I was also honoured to be the Captain of the club which showed confidence in me,” said Phali.
Phali said his vision is to train up and coming goalkeepers.
He believes that young goalkeepers don’t get proper training because most of the development teams don’t have goalkeeper coaches.
