Kaizer Chiefs have been handed an unexpected advantage in their chase for highly rated Stellenbosch FC attacker Langelihle Phili, FARPost has been informed.
Phili is a target for Amakhosi following a breakthrough campaign that saw him sweep four awards at Stellies’ end-of-season gala.
The 21-year-old walked away with the Players’ Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, Golden Boot and Rama Fans’ Player of the Season awards after scoring nine goals in all competitions in the just-ended season.
His impressive rise has attracted interest from several clubs, including Libyan giants Al-Ittihad, coached by Rulani Mokwena. Chiefs are understood to be keen to strengthen their left wing.
They view Congolese winger Glody Makabi Lilepo as stronger on the right wing. Phili’s versatility, work rate and eye for goal make him an attractive option as Amakhosi prepare for a new era under an incoming coaching team. However, prising the former AmaZulu FC reserve player away from Stellenbosch is unlikely to be straightforward.
DU PREEZ INTEREST OPENS POTENTIAL DOOR
Interestingly, Stellenbosch have contacted Chiefs regarding the possibility of re-signing former star Ashley Du Preez. Du Preez is said to be a player Stellies veteran mentor Gavin Hunt fancies.
The Soweto giants could explore a player-plus-cash deal involving Du Preez as they intensify their pursuit of Phili. Du Preez enjoyed some of the best years of his career in the Cape Winelands before securing a reported R10 million move to Naturena in 2022.
He scored 13 goals and made eight assists in 69 appearances for Stellies. However, his time at Chiefs has been more mixed.
The 28-year-old has managed 19 goals and nine assists in 96 appearances across all competitions over four seasons. Injuries and inconsistency have hampered his progress, and he found himself on the fringes last season, making just 12 appearances, failing to score, and contributing only one assist.
While Du Preez is believed to want an opportunity to impress the club’s new technical team during the final year of his contract, Stellenbosch’s interest presents Chiefs with a potential bargaining chip.
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