Khune backs Phili to bring back Chiefs’ wing magic

Kaizer Chiefs icon Itumeleng Khune believes new signing Langelihle Phili can revive the club’s tradition of producing fearless, direct wingers after praising the 21-year-old’s ability in one-on-one situations.

Khune has followed Phili’s progress for the past two seasons and says the young winger has the qualities needed to succeed at the Amakhosi. He compared him with former Chiefs player Kgaugelo Sekgota, highlighting his willingness to take on defenders and create opportunities in the final third.

“First of all, I just want to say welcome to the Amakhosi family. This is the player I’ve been looking out for, for the past two seasons. And I’ve been saying that he reminds me of Kgaugelo Sekgota, where he’s got those attributes of 1v1.”

“Taking the player to the cleaners and making sure that he gets himself in good positions to score. 1v1, very good. So, Kaizer Chiefs obviously has been known as a team of scouting wingers that are not afraid to take on their opponents. And I think Langelihle will fit perfectly,” Khune told Soccer Laduma.

The former goalkeeper believes Phili’s style is well suited to Chiefs’ history, with the club having previously been associated with wingers who could beat opponents in individual battles.

Khune also drew parallels between Phili and several of the most celebrated attacking players to have represented the club, including Jabu Mahlangu, who was known as Jabu Pule at the time, Junior Khanye, Scara Ngobese and Rene Richards.

“He reminds me of Jabu Mahlangu, better known as Jabu Pule at that time, growing up. Junior Khanye, Scara Ngobese, Rene Richards. You can name all the wingers in the past that have those attributes of taking on players 1v1. So, Langelihle has that. And I’ve been following him at Stellies and I’ve been following him at the under-20s. He’s been one for the future. And I’m very happy that Kaizer Chiefs is able to lend his signature,” Khune added.

Phili’s development at Stellies and with the under-20s has convinced Khune that the player has the potential to become an important figure for Chiefs. The club’s decision to secure his signature was described by Khune as a sign of good scouting.

The Chiefs icon also said Phili’s first appearance for the club could be significant in shaping the early part of his career.

“And I wish him everything of the best. But again, it’s just a matter of having your very best first game. That will set the tone for the rest of your career. So, I wish him everything of the best. He’s such a great player. And Kaizer Chiefs did well to scout him and bring him to the club.”

Khune’s assessment comes as Chiefs look to benefit from a player he believes can restore the direct wing play that was a feature of the club’s golden era. For Phili, the immediate challenge will be to translate his one-on-one ability into performances for the Amakhosi and make the kind of first impression Khune says could set the tone for his career.