Joey Phuthi has shared a message on his Instagram after making his senior debut for Sheffield Wednesday.
Joey Phuthi joined Sheffield Wednesday from Wincobank Juniors in 2018 and has since risen through the ranks of their academy.
The 18-year-old has impressed with the Owls U-21 side and even trialled with Brentford in the summer, but eventually landed his first professional contract with the club in August.
Phuthi was initially named on the bench for Sheffield Wednesday’s draw with Huddersfield Town in October, with then caretaker boss and U21 manager Neil Thompson taking charge.
Following Phuthi’s inclusion alongside Bailey Cadamarteri for the one-off clash under Thompson, the coach said: “It was down to their performances and how they’ve gone about it.
“Joey has come back into the fold after being away for a little while, and he has been electric. But they’re only 18, still. They’re still youngsters. We have to handle them correctly, but it won’t do them any harm to be on the bench, watching that game.”
Phuthi has continued to impress and eventually earned himself his senior debut in Boxing Day’s defeat to Coventry City.
The Owls lost 2-0 at the hands of Mark Robins’ side, but it was a great day for the versatile winger, who replaced Cadamarteri with five minutes of normal time remaining.
Phuthi didn’t get too much action, but admitted he was ‘feeling blessed’ after pulling on the shirt for the first time.
On his Instagram, he wrote: “Disappointing result but feeling blessed to have made my professional Championship debut. Praise to god.”
Can Joey Phuthi be the next young star for Sheffield Wednesday?
Players such as Joey Phuthi will have seen the dramatic rise for Bailey Cadamarteri and will be hopeful of earning their own chance.
The young striker broke onto the scene under Danny Rohl and has since earned himself a regular spot in the Owls’ starting line-up, while he has also netted three goals in the last six games.
Phuthi will be desperate to pick up more minutes for Sheffield Wednesday now, and it certainly seems like Rohl is the right person to help him develop.