Langelihle Phili: Kaizer Chiefs Gain Advantage in Race to Sign South African Forward From PSL Rivals

• Kaizer Chiefs are in pole position to sign a South African attacker from one of their Betway Premiership rivals in the summer
• The Glamour Boys reportedly lead the race to sign the Premier Soccer League star after the latest update shared on the player
• The Soweto-based club are not the only team targeting the player, as reports claimed a foreign club are also showing interest

Kaizer Chiefs have been handed a big advantage in their pursuit of highly regarded South African forward Langelihle Phili, who currently plays for their Premier Soccer League rivals, Stellenbosch FC.

The Soweto giants have reportedly placed Phili high on their shortlist after an outstanding breakout campaign in which he swept several end-of-season honours at Stellenbosch. The 21-year-old forward collected four major awards, Players’ Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, Golden Boot, and the Rama Fans’ Player of the Season, after scoring nine goals across all competitions.

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His impressive performances have drawn attention beyond South Africa, with multiple clubs monitoring him closely, including Libyan champions Al-Ittihad, currently coached by Rulani Mokwena.

Chiefs’ possible negotiating boost

Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be prioritising reinforcement on the left side of attack, especially with Congolese winger Glody Makabi Lilepo considered more suited to operating on the right wing. Phili’s adaptability, attacking instinct, and work rate have made him an appealing option as the club prepares for a new era under incoming technical leadership.

However, the Stellies are not making a potential exit straightforward. Reports suggest the Cape Winelands side have shown renewed interest in bringing back former forward Ashley Du Preez, who previously enjoyed a strong spell at the club, before joining the Glamour Boys four years ago. Veteran coach Gavin Hunt is said to be particularly keen on the player’s return.

This situation could potentially give Kaizer Chiefs leverage in negotiations, with a possible player-plus-cash arrangement involving Du Preez being considered as a pathway to securing Phili, according to latest reports.

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Du Preez’s mixed spell at Naturena

Du Preez enjoyed his most productive football at Stellenbosch before his 2022 move to Kaizer Chiefs for a reported R10 million fee, where he registered 13 goals and eight assists in 69 appearances.

Since joining Chiefs, his output has been inconsistent, with 19 goals and nine assists in 96 matches across four seasons. Injuries and fluctuating form have affected his continuity, and last season he struggled for game time, making only 12 appearances without scoring and registering a single assist.

Although Du Preez is understood to be keen on proving himself to the incoming coaching setup in the final year of his contract, Stellenbosch’s reported interest could now position him as a key bargaining asset in Chiefs’ pursuit of Phili.

Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns battle for SA forward

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are in a transfer battle as they are all interested in snapping up a South African forward.

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European transfer looms for Kaizer Chiefs star after release clause activation

The three PSL giants were said to be looking for the possibility of signing the winger before the winter transfer window closes.

Source: Briefly News