2 Kaizer Chiefs Stars Leave Amakhosi, Join Premier Soccer League Side for 2026/27 Season
- Kaizer Chiefs confirmed that striker Naledi Hlongwane and midfielder Pheko Phago joined Hope FC on loan for the 2026/27 season
- The duo linked up with fellow Amakhosi academy graduates Samkelo Zwane and Bontle Molefe, completing a four-man Chiefs contingent at the Cape Town club
- Hope FC, coached by former Bafana Bafana defender Clayton Daniels, are competing in their debut Motsepe Foundation Championship season
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Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that striker Naledi Hlongwane and midfielder Pheko Phago have joined Cape Town-based Hope FC on loan for the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign.
Source: Twitter
The Soweto outfit announced the departures on Wednesday, revealing that Hlongwane and Phago will link up with former Amakhosi academy graduates Samkelo Zwane and goalkeeper Bontle Molefe at the newly established first-division club.
Their moves complete a four-player contingent of Chiefs academy products at Hope FC, which competes in the Motsepe Foundation Championship under the PSL structure.
Hlongwane's first-team exposure at Chiefs
Hlongwane, who operates as a centre-forward, already has some senior experience after making two Betway Premiership appearances for Chiefs last season.
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The loan spell should give both Hlongwane and Phago the chance to gain valuable regular playing time and continue their development in the second tier of South African football.
Hope FC eye Betway Premiership promotion
Hope FC have made an impressive start to life in South African professional football. The Cape Town-based side secured promotion from the third tier and are now competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the first time in their history, with former Bafana Bafana defender Clayton Daniels leading the team.
The club's transfer business has underlined its ambitions to challenge for promotion. Hope FC added former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm and ex-Mamelodi Sundowns defender Lyle Lakay to their squad, while also signing former Golden Arrows utility player Brandon Theron and experienced midfielder Siyabonga Nhlapo.
Hope FC began their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign on a positive note, edging Pretoria University 1-0 last weekend. Their next assignment comes against Highbury FC on Friday, with attention now turning to whether Hlongwane and Phago will be cleared to make their competitive debuts.
McKenzie’s latest PSL intervention sparks fresh football debate
Briefly News previously reported that Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie came under fire after calling on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to act against what he described as “thuggery”.
His comments followed a controversial tackle involving Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews.
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Source: Briefly News
