Kaizer Chiefs are considering cashing in on fan favourites Glody Lilepo and Wandile Duba in a bid to reshape the squad and stabilise the finances ahead of the new season, with Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili a key target.
The Soweto club are exploring a player-plus-cash deal to prise 21-year-old Phili from Stellenbosch, with Ashley du Preez viewed as a possible makeweight in negotiations. Chiefs see Phili, who scored seven goals in 27 Betway Premiership matches last season, as a priority addition on the flank.
At the same time, Lilepo could be allowed to leave Naturena if a sizeable offer arrives, with the attacker understood to be one of the club’s most valuable saleable assets. Any potential transfer would be driven by the need to “balance the books” during the current window rather than a lack of faith in the player.
Phili chase may trigger significant departures
Chiefs’ interest in Phili remains strong, with the club believed to be ready to present Stellenbosch with an offer that would include both money and a player. Du Preez has been identified as the most likely option to move in the opposite direction as part of a potential agreement.
Phili’s performances last term, when he combined pace and direct running with end product in the final third, have kept him near the top of Chiefs’ recruitment list. Bringing him in, however, may depend on who leaves the club in the coming weeks and what fees are generated.
Lilepo, a popular figure among sections of the support, is one of those whose future is under scrutiny. Chiefs are open to sanctioning his exit for what has been described as “big money”, should a suitable bid materialise.
Duba admired by fans but future uncertain
Duba, widely regarded by some at the club as the most natural finisher in the squad, is another player whose situation is being watched closely. At 22, he offers versatility, able to lead the line as a number 9 or operate wider in a front three.
His return of three goals and two assists in 18 league appearances last season is modest on paper, yet his reputation has been enhanced by a habit of scoring eye-catching goals in high-profile matches. That knack could alert clubs both within South Africa and abroad, although there has been no formal confirmation of concrete bids.
Any move involving Duba would likely provoke a strong reaction from supporters, given his popularity and perceived potential, and could form part of a broader reshaping of the forward line.
Mixed reaction to Mtasingwa as youngsters push through
Off the pitch, the club’s recent transfer business has already come under scrutiny. The signing of Adolf Mtasingwa has sparked criticism from some fans on Facebook, where a number of supporters have questioned whether he matches the standard they expect from Kaizer Chiefs.
While new arrivals are debated, the club’s younger players are also pushing to be noticed. Left-back Kabelo Nkgwesa featured in Chiefs’ opening friendly of their current tour, a 1-1 draw against Scottish side Rangers, giving the 19-year-old, nicknamed “Festival”, a first real taste of senior football. After that outing, he is understood to be eager for more opportunities with the first team in the coming campaign.
New season opener confirmed
Away from the transfer talk, Chiefs now know their first assignment of the 2026-27 Betway Premiership season. Newly promoted Kruger United will host the Soweto giants on Saturday, 1 August, in the opening round of fixtures.
With the World Cup now over, attention is turning back to domestic action, and the trip to Kruger United will offer an early indication of how effectively Chiefs have managed their squad rebuild – and whether the potential sales of Lilepo and Duba, alongside the pursuit of Phili, have left them stronger or weaker for the league campaign ahead.
