Kaizer Chiefs made the right call by signing Langelihle Phili, says Rodney Ramagalela

Kaizer Chiefs have made a strong signing by bringing in young attacker Langelihle Phili, according to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Black Leopards striker Rodney Ramagalela.

Phili is among a group of new arrivals who will work under Kaizer Chiefs’ new coach, Fernando Da Cruz, at Naturena. Thabo Moloisane, Renaldo Leaner, Adolf Mtasingwa and Khanyisa Mayo have joined the club on permanent deals, while Faiz Abrahams is also set to be part of Da Cruz’s squad.

Ramagalela believes Phili has the ability to make an impact, describing him as one of the leading young players in South Africa. However, he also questioned how the attacker would fit into a squad that already contains several players competing for a similar role.

“I don’t think they made a mistake by signing Phili because he is one of the top young players in the country,” Ramagalela said on the 116th episode of the weekly Arena Sports Show hosted by Clauiee Grace Mpanza and Mahlatse Mphahlele.

“My question is, how is he going to fit into the team because you still have Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi and Pule Mmodi in the same position. It is going to be important for them to ensure they understand the Chiefs playing style of winning matches.

“I watched their opening match of the season against Kruger United at the weekend and I saw a different Chiefs. They moved the ball quicker and I was impressed with Baartman on the left side of the field.”

Ramagalela’s comments came after watching Kaizer Chiefs begin their season against Kruger United. He said the side’s quicker use of the ball stood out and singled out Luke Baartman’s performance on the left as a particular positive.

The former striker also turned his attention to the MTN8, which begins on Saturday with holders Orlando Pirates starting their title defence at home to Durban City.

That match will be played at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. It will be followed by Mamelodi Sundowns’ opening match of the season against Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium, which starts at 18:00.

The remaining two quarter-final matches are scheduled for Sunday. AmaZulu will host Sekhukhune United at Chatsworth Stadium at 15:00, before Kaizer Chiefs face Arrows at FNB Stadium at 18:00.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the competition will provide another early test of Da Cruz’s developing team and an opportunity for the club’s new signings to establish themselves. Phili’s arrival has been welcomed by Ramagalela, although the former Sundowns and Black Leopards forward believes the coaching staff will need to settle the competition for places and ensure the new players understand the demands of the Chiefs playing style.

The focus now shifts towards the MTN8, with the tournament’s opening weekend offering Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and the other South African clubs a chance to make an early impression.

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