Glody Lilepo: Kaizer Chiefs winger closing in on R17m move to Al Ahly Benghazi

Kaizer Chiefs’ Congolese winger Glody Lilepo is on the verge of completing a surprise move to Libyan club Al Ahly Benghazi in a deal understood to be worth more than R17m.

The transfer, now in its final stages, will end a short but impactful spell at Naturena for the 28-year-old, who has emerged as one of Amakhosi’s most potent attacking threats since his arrival in early 2025.

Personal terms between Lilepo and Al Ahly Benghazi are believed to be fully agreed, with only a routine medical in Libya standing between the player and the official confirmation of the move.

Big-money switch nears completion

Sources indicate that Kaizer Chiefs’ hierarchy have accepted an offer from Al Ahly Benghazi in excess of R17m for the DR Congo international, making the transfer one of the more unexpected storylines of the current window.

Lilepo’s omission from Chiefs’ pre-season training camp in Spain effectively signalled that his future lay elsewhere. While his team-mates travelled to Europe, the winger remained in Johannesburg to finalise details of the transfer.

The deal, once completed, will see Chiefs cash in on a player who joined from French side Valenciennes in January 2025 and quickly adapted to the demands of South African football.

Brief spell, big impact

Despite spending only one full season at the club, Lilepo made a telling contribution in the famous gold and black.

Operating predominantly from wide areas, the tall, direct attacker established himself as a key outlet in Chiefs’ frontline, scoring 9 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions.

His performances earned him regular selection and growing admiration from the club’s supporters, who had begun to see him as a central figure in Amakhosi’s rebuild.

However, the timing of the Libyan approach, the size of the reported fee and the player’s readiness to explore a new chapter have combined to bring his stay at Naturena to an early close.

Tactical test for new coach Da Cruz

Lilepo’s departure presents an immediate challenge for new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, who must now remodel his attacking structure without one of his most dynamic wide options.

The French tactician is expected to lean more heavily on existing wingers Pule Mmodi, Mfundo Vilakazi and Ashley Du Preez to provide pace, penetration and goals from the flanks.

Da Cruz’s first months in charge will now involve not only implementing his philosophy but also compensating for the loss of a player who offered both speed on the counter and a consistent goal threat.

Chiefs step up hunt for replacements

In response to Lilepo’s imminent exit, decision-makers at Naturena have intensified their search for reinforcements, with a particular focus on young, high-upside wide players.

At the top of their wishlist is Stellenbosch FC’s highly rated winger Langelihle Phili. Chiefs are understood to have seen two bids turned down for the speedy attacker, who has a R16m release clause in his current contract.

The pursuit of Phili underlines Chiefs’ intent to refresh their attacking options and to invest in a player viewed as one of the most promising wide prospects in the Premier Soccer League.

If the Lilepo deal is finalised as expected, Amakhosi will have secured a sizeable transfer fee – but they now face the urgent task of ensuring that his exit does not blunt their ambitions for the coming season.