Brandon Petersen backs Kaizer Chiefs newcomer Langelihle Phili to make an immediate impact

Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen believes new signing Langelihle Phili can quickly establish himself at Naturena after being encouraged by the winger’s confident start in training.

Phili was unveiled by Amakhosi earlier this week following his move from Stellenbosch FC, where he enjoyed an impressive campaign last season. The 21-year-old was the club’s leading scorer with nine goals and was named both Stellenbosch FC Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.

Petersen said Phili’s ability to adapt immediately to his new surroundings had stood out since he joined the squad.

Speaking at the MTN8 launch in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the Chiefs captain said the young attacker had shown none of the hesitation that can affect players arriving at a new club.

“I think for me to see a younger player like that just come in and settle, it’s a good sign,” Petersen said.

“You know, when players normally come to a team, especially the younger ones, it takes them a bit of a while before they settle. I think with him… like I watched him and I was like, ‘Okay, no, we’re fine, we’re good to go.'”

Petersen added that Phili’s self-assurance had been evident from his first training session with the Glamour Boys.

“Just the fact that when he stepped on the field, no one had to motivate or encourage him to say, ‘Don’t worry, you’re going to settle in.’ He stepped on the field and it’s like he’s always been there,” Petersen explained.

“So that for me is a good sign. And that gives me confidence that it’s not going to take him a long time to just come and do his business.”

Phili arrives after standout Stellenbosch season

Phili’s move gives Kaizer Chiefs another attacking option as head coach Fernando Da Cruz looks to strengthen his squad ahead of a demanding campaign in domestic and continental competitions.

The winger will now be expected to reproduce the form that helped him finish as Stellenbosch FC’s top scorer last season. His two end-of-season awards further underlined his importance to the club before his transfer to Kaizer Chiefs.

Petersen’s early assessment suggests Phili has already made a positive impression inside the Chiefs squad, although the new signing will now need to translate that promising start into competitive performances.

Kaizer Chiefs will hope the player can carry his momentum from Stellenbosch FC into life at Naturena and contribute quickly as the club prepares for another busy season.