WARRIORS midfielder Danny “Deco” Phiri has returned from a long layoff and is relishing the opportunity to help his South African side Golden Arrows finish the 2018 ABSA Premiership race on a high.

Phiri's campaign got off to a rocky start as he was sent off in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Bidvest Wits in August 2017.

He then ruptured his Achilles in training in September and was subsequently ruled out for seven months.

Coach Clint Larsen therefore decided to sign tough-tackling free agent Sandile Zuke in January given Phiri's unavailability.

The Zimbabwean missed 29 matches in all competitions for Abafana Bes’thende before playing his first league game of the season against Kaizer Chiefs a week ago. He helped Arrows beat a demoralised Chiefs 3-1 after replacing Zuke in the second half at Princess Magogo Stadium.

The 29-year-old played again and impressed in the 3-2 win over already-relegated Platinum Stars at the same venue on Saturday, as ex-Chippa United man Zuke was serving a suspension.

"It is nice to be back and to be with the guys, it is very important,” Phiri told Kick Off.

“I’m trying to make sure that I get my fitness back. That is the most important thing right now and helping the team.

“I’m coming back at a crucial time. We needed these three points as you know we were in the play-offs spot, so we needed the win.”

Kick Off