As Kaizer Chiefs continue to navigate a hefty R16 million price tag in their pursuit of Langelihle Phili, former teammate Tshegofatso Mabasa has shed light on exactly why the 21-year-old has become one of the most sought-after talents in the Betway Premiership.
This high praise comes at a time when Amakhosi are actively intensifying their chase for the talented winger to bolster their squad ahead of the highly anticipated 2026/27 season. While the Cape Winelands outfit is holding firm on their multi-million rand evaluation, the Soweto giants have not abandoned their pursuit.
Instead, FARPost understands that Chiefs remain hopeful of finding common ground with Stellies, as reinforcing the left wing remains a top priority for the club, with Phili viewed as the ideal fit to strengthen the squad.
Coincidentally, Chiefs’ first signing of the transfer window, Thabo Moloisane, already arrived from Stellenbosch FC after opting against renewing his contract with the Maroon Army. However, the race for Phili’s signature is further complicated by interest from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, who are also monitoring his availability.
The 21-year-old attracted strong interest following his stellar performances for Stellies last term, in which the pacey attacker showcased his outstanding ability to beat defenders, score, and create chances. The former South Africa Under-20 star featured in 26 league appearances last season, netting seven goals and chipping in with one assist.
WHAT MABASA SAID ABOUT LANGELIHLE PHILI
With the youngster heavily tipped for a big-money move to Gauteng, Mabasa has shed light on Phili’s qualities, warning that defenders will continue to face a tough time whenever the winger is on the pitch.
The former Buccaneers forward, who spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Stellenbosch, was raving about Phili in an interview on the Apex Sports International podcast most recently.
“Going to Phili, he’s strong; he never loses the ball when it’s on his feet. He would rather dribble and make a mistake, but you will never take the ball away from him; he’s that strong, especially with his legs,” Mabasa said.
“It’s difficult to push him off the ball; he’s quick, he can cut inside and finish. South African defenders are still going to cry, I’m telling you.
“I remember when we played Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final [with Pirates] a season before the last one. He came on and gave Thabiso Lebitso problems; Lebitso tried pushing him off the ball, but he ended up being the one who fell. After the game, Lebitso was asking, ‘Who’s this strong boy? ‘ So a lot of defenders are going to cry because of him.”
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