Warriors Versatile Midfielder Looks To Reignite His Career

By Advent Shoko

ENGLAND – Zimbabwe international Joey Phuthi has taken another decisive step in his young career, sealing a move to Cleethorpes Town, an ambitious English non-league side, as he looks to rebuild momentum, sharpen his game, and push back into the Warriors spotlight.

At just 21, Phuthi already carries a résumé that many players his age can only dream of, professional football, international caps, and academy grounding at one of England’s historic clubs. His move to Cleethorpes Town is less about dropping down and more about finding the right environment to play, grow, and be trusted again.

WHO IS JOEY PHUTHI?

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in England from the age of 12, Phuthi’s football journey began at Wincobank Juniors before he was snapped up by Sheffield Wednesday’s academy at just 13. From there, he worked his way through the ranks, developing into a direct, fearless wide man known for pace, balance, and 1-v-1 ability.

His progress was rewarded on 29 August 2023, when he signed his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday. He later made his senior debut for the Owls, coming on as a substitute in a Championship match against Coventry City, a major milestone for any academy graduate.

A CAREER PAUSE, NOT A SETBACK

After leaving Sheffield Wednesday, Phuthi joined Eastbourne Borough in mid-2025. His stay lasted just six months, with the club confirming his departure by mutual consent. While game time was limited, the experience offered valuable exposure to the physical and tactical demands of senior non-league football.

Now at Cleethorpes Town, Phuthi becomes their latest attacking addition, with the club clearly excited by his pedigree and potential. The move marks his second non-league stop since leaving Sheffield Wednesday, but crucially, this time with a clean slate and a clear role.

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WHAT HE BRINGS TO CLEETHORPES TOWN

Phuthi is a natural wide attacker, comfortable on either flank, who thrives in open spaces. His strengths include:

• Explosive pace and acceleration
• Confidence in taking on defenders
• Intelligent off-ball movement
• Experience against elite youth and senior opposition
• Calmness in possession despite his age

For Cleethorpes Town, he offers energy, unpredictability, and attacking depth, qualities that can tilt tight non-league matches.

WARRIORS CONNECTION STILL STRONG

Phuthi remains very much part of Zimbabwe’s national team picture. He earned his first call-up in March 2024 for the Malawi Four Nations Tournament and made his senior international debut against Kenya on 26 March 2024. He is now a two-time capped Warriors international, a badge of honour that underlines his quality and potential.

Regular football in England could be the key to unlocking more national team opportunities, especially as Zimbabwe continues to broaden its European-based talent pool.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This is not a story of decline, it is a story of reset and recalibration. At 21, Joey Phuthi still has time, tools, and international backing on his side. Cleethorpes Town may well be the platform where confidence returns, performances follow, and the next chapter truly begins.

For Zimbabwean football fans, it is another reminder that development is rarely linear, and that sometimes, the long road produces the strongest players.