Kaizer Chiefs have completed the signing of 21-year-old winger Langelihle Phili from Stellenbosch, making him the club’s fifth arrival of the transfer window.
Phili has signed his contract with Amakhosi after weeks of speculation about his future. The Durban-born attacker scored seven goals and provided one assist in 21 league appearances last season, according to the original figures surrounding the move.
However, Kaizer Chiefs’ official announcement described Phili as Stellenbosch’s leading scorer last season, with nine goals in all competitions. The club also highlighted the awards he collected during his breakthrough campaign.
“The 21-year-old sensation arrives at Amakhosi after a standout campaign last season in which he finished as Stellenbosch’s top scorer, netting nine goals and bagging both the player-of-the-season and players’-player-of-the-season awards. His performances earned widespread recognition and underlined his reputation as one of the most promising attacking talents in South African football.
Durban-born Phili has already accumulated valuable experience in his short career so far, having played 39 matches in the PSL and CAF Confederation Cup last season, demonstrating a level of consistency that was earmarked by the technical team as a major potential asset in meeting the demands of a marathon campaign that could see the Glamour Boys contesting more than 50 fixtures across domestic and continental competitions.
His talent, work ethic and commitment have seen him become a key member of the national age-group structures. He was part of the team that lifted the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Morocco last year and was recently called up to the national U-23 squad as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where the winners will play in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
Phili joins a Chiefs recruitment campaign that has already brought in a number of players. Khanyisa Mayo made his move permanent from CR Belouizdad for a reported fee of about R9.8 million after initially spending time at the club on loan.
Adolf Mtasingwa, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder, arrived from Azam FC for an undisclosed fee. He is the first Tanzanian player to sign for Amakhosi and brings experience from six seasons in Scandinavia, where he played in Iceland, Norway and Finland.
Mtasingwa returned to Tanzania in 2024 and helped Azam FC finish third in the domestic league last season. He is also vice-captain of the Tanzanian national team.
Chiefs have strengthened their defence with the signing of Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch. The central defender was a regular for the impressive Stellenbosch side and can also fill in at right-back.
Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has joined from Sekhukhune United to increase competition for places between the posts. The 28-year-old stands 1.87m tall and has represented Bafana Bafana.
In a recent match against Kruger United, Ethan Chislett started in the number 10 role, while Luke Baartman operated in a wide attacking position. The changes have also raised questions over whether Nkosingiphile Ngcobo can revive his Chiefs career.
Orlando Pirates are scheduled to play Durban City on Saturday, 8 August at 15:00, with Mamelodi Sundowns facing Polokwane at 18:00. Kaizer Chiefs will meet Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 9 August at 18:00.
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