Glody Lilepo bids emotional farewell to Kaizer Chiefs after Al Ahly Benghazi transfer

Glody Lilepo has written an emotional farewell to Kaizer Chiefs after completing his move from the Soweto club to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi.

The 29-year-old Democratic Republic of the Congo winger leaves Chiefs after an 18-month spell in South Africa, having joined the club from French team Valenciennes in January 2025.

Lilepo became an important part of the Kaizer Chiefs attack during his time at Naturena, making 56 appearances in all competitions. He scored 15 goals and provided five assists.

His contribution helped the Glamour Boys win the Nedbank Cup only four months after his arrival, ending the club’s wait for a major trophy.

The winger was also nominated for the PSL Goal of the Season award after completing his final full campaign with the club. However, reports had regularly linked him with a departure from Johannesburg, with suggestions that he had become unsettled.

Following confirmation of his transfer, Lilepo used Instagram to thank the club’s management, team-mates and supporters.

“Khosi Nation, it is with emotion that my journey with you comes to an end. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at Kaizer Chiefs,” Lilepo wrote on Instagram.

“To the management, Dr. Kaizer Motaung, Kaizer Motaung Jr., Bobby Motaung, the entire leadership team, the coaching staff, and everyone working behind the scenes, thank you for your support and for giving me the opportunity to wear this iconic badge. It has been an honour.

“To my teammates, thank you for every moment we shared. It has been a privilege to fight with you. Together, we were able to bring a trophy back to this great club after ten years and secure qualification for the CAF Confederation in two consecutive seasons. I will always cherish the memories we created together. I know this club deserves more, and I have no doubt that greater days lie ahead.

“To the supporters, THANK YOU for your passion, support, positivity and kindness. Your love for this club is truly special. I hope I was able to bring you some moments of joy, even though we also experienced some difficult times together. Your energy, loyalty, and the atmosphere you created are something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have represented this institution. I wish Kaizer Chiefs nothing but success in the future, and I truly hope the club returns to where it belongs. Khosi, thank you for everything.”

Chiefs now continue their preparations without Lilepo as the club reshapes its first-team squad under a new technical setup.

The Soweto outfit has been active in the current transfer market, adding Langelihle Phili, Thabo Moloisane, Renaldo Leaner and Adolf Bitegeko.

The club’s technical team has acknowledged that further attacking reinforcements remain a priority before the domestic transfer window closes.

Lilepo’s departure brings an end to a spell in which he helped Chiefs win the Nedbank Cup and qualify for the CAF Confederation in two successive seasons. His move to Al Ahly Benghazi marks the next stage of the DR Congo international’s career after a productive, but closely scrutinised, period with the Glamour Boys.