Faiz Abrahams steps up as Langelihle Phili injury creates Kaizer Chiefs chance

Faiz Abrahams has been handed an unexpected opportunity at Kaizer Chiefs after Langelihle Phili was ruled out for at least two months with an ankle injury.

The 21-year-old made his first appearance for Amakhosi in the club’s colours during a 24-minute substitute appearance against Richards Bay in Umlazi on Wednesday night. His cameo offered early evidence of why the Kaizer Chiefs hierarchy agreed to bring him in from Stellenbosch.

Abrahams joined Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month on a season-long loan, with the club holding an option to make the transfer permanent. Although his arrival was not initially expected to lead immediately to a prominent role, Phili’s injury has altered the situation.

“It was my first time travelling with Kaizer Chiefs. It felt good to be included and I appreciate the coach’s belief in me. I have worked hard since I arrived and I am grateful for the support I have received and honoured to be playing for this great club,” Abrahams told the Kaizer Chiefs media department.

Phili’s absence is a major setback for coach Fernando Da Cruz, who described the injury as “the bad news of the week.”

The under-20 international had made an encouraging start since moving from Stellenbosch at the beginning of the month. He scored against Mamelodi Sundowns in Kaizer Chiefs’ third match of the season and had started two league games, while also making one appearance from the bench.

Phili suffered the injury in a non-contact incident during training, leaving Da Cruz without a player who had begun to fit the demands of his preferred high-tempo approach.

The coach has been relying on younger players, including Phili, to help implement that style at Naturena. Abrahams now appears well placed to compete for a greater role while his fellow new signing recovers.

A naturally left-footed player, Abrahams was brought on midway through the second half against Richards Bay and used as an inverted right winger. Kaizer Chiefs were trailing 2-1 at the time, and Da Cruz gave him a clear attacking assignment.

“The coach told me to go out there and create chances for us to get back into the game,” he reveals. “I think I made a few opportunities that we might have scored from, so I am quite happy with how I did.”

His performance did not erase the disappointment of Phili’s injury, but it gave Kaizer Chiefs an immediate indication that Abrahams could provide a solution during the extended absence of the under-20 international.

The loan signing will now have the chance to build on his first outing and show whether he can convert an unforeseen opening into a sustained place in Da Cruz’s plans.