Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando Da Cruz praises Langelihle Phili after Mamelodi Sundowns draw

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz praised new signing Langelihle Phili after he scored in his side’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

Phili gave Kaizer Chiefs the lead by opening his account for the club, producing what appeared to be a potentially decisive moment in the match. The forward celebrated emphatically after putting Amakhosi in front, with many believing his goal would prove to be the winner.

That advantage was ultimately cancelled out when Cassius Mailula came off the bench to score the equaliser for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Despite surrendering the lead, Da Cruz said Phili had delivered the kind of performance Kaizer Chiefs had hoped for when they signed him. The manager also expressed his satisfaction with the wider contribution of his squad.

“We signed Phili to make this type of performance,” he said on SuperSport TV.

“He’s a very good player but he needs time to understand our game model.

Da Cruz acknowledged that Phili is still adapting to the team’s methods, but felt the player had already shown why Kaizer Chiefs brought him to the club. The coach’s comments followed an encouraging display from the new arrival, who scored in front of the home supporters at FNB Stadium.

The match was also the third game Kaizer Chiefs had played in six days, a demanding schedule that Da Cruz said made the players’ effort particularly impressive.

“But I’m very proud of our team because we had three games in six days, the players were amazing today.

“I’m very proud of the squad.”

The result ensured Kaizer Chiefs remained at the top of the log with seven points from their opening three games. AmaZulu also have seven points, but Amakhosi lead the standings on goal difference.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the draw meant they retained their position at the summit even though they were unable to hold on for a victory after Phili’s opener. Mamelodi Sundowns’ response, led by substitute Cassius Mailula, denied Da Cruz’s side all three points.

Phili’s goal was nevertheless a significant personal moment, marking his first for Kaizer Chiefs since arriving as a new signing. His performance, combined with the team’s ability to compete through a congested run of fixtures, earned strong approval from Da Cruz.

The coach’s assessment was therefore positive despite the late change in the scoreline. He highlighted both the individual promise shown by Phili and the collective effort required from Kaizer Chiefs during a six-day period in which they played three matches.