Matsau urges Kaizer Chiefs to move for Phili as ideal Glody Lilepo successor

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Daniel Matsau believes Stellenbosch FC forward Langelihle Phili is the only player currently in South Africa capable of filling the void left by departing star Glody Lilepo at Chiefs.

The 21-year-old Phili, one of the most highly rated young attackers in the country, has attracted interest from Chiefs ahead of the new season after a standout campaign in the Western Cape.

Last term, Phili swept the board at Stellenbosch FC’s end-of-season awards, being named Fans’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Season, while also claiming the club’s Golden Boot and the Oshwin Andries Young Player of the Year honours.

Speaking to KickOff, Matsau argued that Chiefs should prioritise Phili’s signature if they want to compensate for the expected loss of Lilepo.

“My only concern with the current Chiefs team is upfront; that’s what I noticed yesterday during their 1-0 win over Scotland FC,” Matsau said.

“They must do all they can to land Phili, he might help us. Our strikers are of a good quality; we just need people that will feed them balls. I was so impressed with Ethan Chisslett.”

Attacking concerns at Chiefs

Matsau’s comments come after he assessed Chiefs’ attack in their narrow victory over Scotland FC, where he felt the side lacked sufficient creativity and incisiveness in the final third despite having capable centre-forwards.

He singled out Ethan Chisslett for praise, but insisted the squad still needs another player comfortable running at defenders and supplying chances to the existing forwards.

“What I like about Phili is the fact that he can take on defenders. He can complement Asanele Velebayi very well,” he explained, highlighting the potential combination between Phili and the promising Asanele Velebayi in wide and advanced areas.

Phili compared to Lilepo

Matsau drew a direct parallel between Phili and Lilepo, stressing that their similar skill sets make the Stellenbosch player, in his view, the natural successor if Lilepo completes his move away from the club.

“Phili is just like Lilepo. who was so good in one-on-ones. If you lose quality such as Lilepo, you replace him with another quality. So, Phili would be a good replacement for Lilepo.

“Just like Lilepo, Phili can also score goals. I’m really praying Chiefs manage to sign him,” he added.

Chiefs have yet to conclude a deal for Phili, but their interest in the forward underlines the club’s efforts to rebuild their attack following Lilepo’s impending departure, with Matsau adamant that securing the youngster would address what he considers the team’s most pressing weakness.