Kaizer Chiefs swap deal could revive Du Preez and Msimango careers

Kaizer Chiefs are closing in on the signing of Stellenbosch FC midfielder Langelihle Phili, with Ashley Du Preez and Given Msimango expected to move in the opposite direction as part of a proposed swap deal.

The transfer, which is also understood to include a cash payment, could give two Chiefs players the chance to revive careers that have stalled at Naturena.

Phili, 21, was absent when Stellenbosch began their Betway Premiership campaign with a defeat by AmaZulu. His omission has increased speculation that his long-awaited move to Chiefs is nearing completion, with reports suggesting he is travelling to Johannesburg and that only final details remain.

The focus has largely been on Chiefs securing one of South Africa’s most promising young attacking players. However, the deal could prove equally significant for Du Preez and Msimango if they can establish themselves at Stellenbosch.

Msimango joined Chiefs from TS Galaxy with a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable centre-backs. His progress has been restricted by competition for places, though, and he made only 13 appearances in all competitions last season.

The 29-year-old was behind Zitha Kwinika, Inacio Miguel and Aden McCarthy in the defensive pecking order. A move to Stellenbosch could provide the consistent playing time he has lacked, while his physical presence may suit Gavin Hunt’s organised defensive system.

Msimango could therefore have the opportunity to become an important part of the Stellenbosch backline rather than remain a peripheral figure at Chiefs.

Du Preez’s proposed move also offers the prospect of a fresh start. The forward produced some memorable performances during his time with Chiefs, but he was unable to maintain the required consistency.

He appeared in only 12 matches across all competitions last season and did not score. Returning to familiar surroundings in the Winelands could help the pacey attacker rediscover the form that once made him one of the Betway Premiership’s most feared forwards.

Stellenbosch have previously helped players rebuild their careers. Iqraam Rayners returned to the club after an unproductive spell at SuperSport United and restored his reputation with a run of regular goals. His performances eventually earned him a high-profile transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Du Preez will hope his return can produce a similar transformation.

For Chiefs, Phili would add another versatile option to their attack. He enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, making 26 appearances in the Betway Premiership and scoring seven goals.

Across all competitions, he played 39 times and found the net nine times, including important goals in the CAF Confederation Cup. Phili developed through Stellenbosch’s system after joining from the AmaZulu youth structures and has since emerged as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.

If completed, the agreement would give Chiefs a player who could contribute to their long-term plans, while Stellenbosch would receive two experienced players determined to show they still have an important role to play. What appears to be a conventional transfer could ultimately benefit all three players and both clubs.