Kaizer Chiefs signing Langelihle Phili reveals lifelong family connection

Langelihle Phili says joining Kaizer Chiefs fulfils a childhood dream after revealing that his entire family supports the Soweto club.

The 21-year-old winger was formally unveiled by Amakhosi on Monday after completing a move from Stellenbosch FC.

The transfer was agreed as a player-plus-cash deal, with central defender Given Msimango and forward Ashley Du Preez moving permanently to Stellenbosch in return for Phili.

Phili, who was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, joins Kaizer Chiefs after an outstanding breakthrough campaign with Stellenbosch FC. He ended last season as the Cape Winelands club’s leading scorer, finding the net nine times in 39 appearances across all competitions.

His performances were also recognised at Stellenbosch FC’s end-of-season awards, where he was named both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.

The winger’s progress was not limited to club football. He played an important part in the South Africa under-20 team, known as Amajita, which won the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He subsequently represented the nation at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and has recently received a call-up to the national under-23 squad.

However, it was his personal connection to Kaizer Chiefs that made his arrival at Naturena especially significant.

Phili said his thoughts immediately turned to his late grandmother, who introduced him to the club when he was growing up.

“The first thing that came to mind was my grandma, who has sadly passed away,” Phili told the club’s website.

“She supported Kaizer Chiefs, and I always used to watch them with her when I was young. Everyone at home supports Amakhosi, so I thought it would be a good move for me to join the team I grew up supporting and being here feels like my dream has really come true,” he reveals.

The new signing said he was eager to begin working with his team-mates and the coaching staff.

“I can’t wait to meet everybody and start training with the rest of the team and the coaching staff.”

Phili also thanked the club for giving him the opportunity and outlined his ambitions in the black and gold.

“Thank you for choosing me. I am finally here and would love nothing more than to win trophies and make great memories with you.”

Kaizer Chiefs have already added several other players to their squad, including defender Thabo Moloisane, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner and Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa.

With those additions and Phili now part of the group, expectations are rising among the Khosi nation before the new campaign’s key fixtures.

Supporters will be hoping the club can complete Phili’s registration and make him available for the matchday squad when Kaizer Chiefs face Golden Arrows in their MTN8 quarter-final at the weekend.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, with Phili’s potential involvement set to be closely watched following his impressive season at Stellenbosch FC.

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