Kaizer Chiefs sign Langelihle Phili in major Stellenbosch FC swap deal

Kaizer Chiefs have announced the signing of 21-year-old winger Langelihle Phili from Stellenbosch FC in a major deal that will see Ashley Du Preez and Given Msimango move in the opposite direction.

Phili was officially unveiled by the Betway Premiership club on Monday after a breakthrough campaign with Stellenbosch FC, where he established himself as one of South Africa’s most promising attacking players.

“Kaizer Chiefs are delighted to announce the signing of exciting and highly sought after young winger Langelihle Phili from Stellenbosch FC,” the club stated on Monday.

“The 21-year-old sensation arrives at Amakhosi after a standout campaign last season in which he finished as Stellenbosch’s top scorer, netting nine goals and bagging both the player-of-the-season and players’-player-of-the-season awards.

“His performances earned widespread recognition and underlined his reputation as one of the most promising attacking talents in South African football.”

The move brings Phili to Kaizer Chiefs after three years at Stellenbosch FC. He joined the club in July 2023, having previously developed through the AmaZulu academy.

His rise began with AmaZulu U18, when he was named Player of the Tournament at the Engen Knockout Challenge following an impressive run with Usuthu’s youth side. Later that same year, he won the competition with Stellenbosch FC and received the individual award again.

Phili went on to make 46 appearances in Stellenbosch FC colours. The account of his record states that he scored seven goals and supplied two assists, with all of those goals coming last season, while Kaizer Chiefs’ announcement described him as having scored nine goals during his standout campaign.

He was also named Stellenbosch FC’s Player of the Season and received the players’ player-of-the-season award, according to the club’s statement.

The winger, who was born in KwaZulu-Natal, has also represented South Africa at international youth level. He was part of the South Africa side that won the AFCON U20 and later represented the Junior national team at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Kaizer Chiefs’ acquisition of Phili forms part of a player-exchange agreement with Stellenbosch FC, with Du Preez and Msimango heading to the Cape Winelands club as part of the transaction.

The transfer represents a significant step in Phili’s career after his rapid progress from youth football at AmaZulu to becoming a key attacking figure for Stellenbosch FC. His performances last season attracted widespread attention and have now earned him a move to Amakhosi.

Phili’s arrival adds another young attacking option to the Kaizer Chiefs squad as the club continues its preparations for the new Betway Premiership campaign.