2 Kaizer Chiefs Stars Leave Amakhosi, Joins 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

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 season.

The Soweto giants announced the pair's departure on Wednesday, noting that the two would reunite with Amakhosi academy products Samkelo Zwane and goalkeeper Bontle Molefe, who had already signed with the newly formed first-division side. The announcement marked the completion of a four-man Chiefs academy contingent at the Mother City club.

"Kaizer Chiefs can confirm that midfielder Pheko Phago and striker Naledi Hlongwane will move to Cape Town-based Hope FC for this season," the club stated. "The duo will link up with fellow Amakhosi Youth Development Academy graduates Samkelo Zwane and goalkeeper Bontle Molefe, who also recently joined the newly formed side competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship under the PSL umbrella. Wishing the boys well in the Mother City."

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**Hlongwane's First-Team Exposure at Chiefs**

Centre-forward Hlongwane arrives at Hope FC with a degree of senior experience behind him, having made two Betway Premiership appearances for Kaizer Chiefs last season.

The loan move offers him and Phago the opportunity to build on that foundation with regular first-division football.

**Hope FC Eye Betway Premiership Promotion**

Hope FC have made a bold entrance into South African football. The Cape Town outfit earned promotion from the third tier and are now competing at first-division level for the first time in their history, with head coach and former Bafana Bafana defender Clayton Daniels at the helm.

Their transfer activity has reflected serious promotion ambitions. The club brought in former Orlando Pirates central midfielder Miguel Timm and ex-Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Lyle Lakay during the window, alongside former Golden Arrows utility player Brandon Theron and experienced midfielder Siyabonga Nhlapo.

Hope FC opened their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign encouragingly, defeating Pretoria University 1-0 last weekend. They next travel to face Highbury FC on Friday, and it remains to be seen whether Hlongwane and Phago will be available to make their debuts in that fixture.

Source: Briefly News