Langelihle Phili says joining Kaizer Chiefs fulfils lifelong dream

Langelihle Phili says signing for Kaizer Chiefs has fulfilled a childhood ambition after the 21-year-old completed his move to the club he grew up supporting.

Phili became a Kaizer Chiefs player this week as part of a player-plus-cash deal that saw Ashley Du Preez and Given Msimango move in the opposite direction to Stellenbosch.

The South African midfielder developed in AmaZulu’s youth system before joining Stellenbosch in July 2023. He first attracted attention after an impressive run in the Engen Knockout Challenge with AmaZulu’s Under-18 side, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Phili made 46 appearances for Stellenbosch, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. All seven of his goals came last season, when he was also named Stellenbosch’s Player of the Season.

Speaking to the Kaizer Chiefs website, Phili said the move had special significance because he comes from a family of committed Amakhosi supporters.

“I had two seasons with Stellenbosch and now a I am overjoyed to be here at Chiefs,” he said.

He added that his thoughts immediately turned to his late grandmother, who had supported Kaizer Chiefs and watched the club with him when he was a child.

“The first thing that came to mind was my grandma, who has sadly passed away. She supported Kaizer Chiefs and I always used to watch them with her when I was young.

“Everyone at home supports Amakhosi, so I thought it would be a good move for me to join the team I grew up supporting and being here feels like my dream has really come true.

“I can’t wait to meet everybody and start training with the rest of the team and the coaching staff.”

Phili also expressed his gratitude to those connected with Kaizer Chiefs and outlined his ambition to help the club win silverware and create lasting memories.

“Thank you for choosing me. I am finally here and would love nothing more than to win trophies and make great memories with you.”

His arrival gives Kaizer Chiefs a player who enjoyed a strong final season at Stellenbosch, both in terms of his goalscoring contribution and individual recognition. Phili’s performances earned him the club’s top individual award before the transfer was completed.

The move brings his time with Stellenbosch to an end after two seasons and marks the next stage of his career with the club he had supported throughout his upbringing.

Phili will now look forward to meeting his new team-mates and beginning work with the Kaizer Chiefs coaching staff as the club prepares for its Betway Premiership campaign.