Tanzania champions Young Africans have discovered that Kaizer Chiefs target Langelihle Phili has an R16 million release clause in his Stellenbosch FC contract. FARPost has established that the Dar es Salaam giants were quoted the same figure Amakhosi received when they enquired about the highly rated 21-year-old earlier this year.
Yanga made their approach after missing out on Keletso Makgalwa, who opted to join fierce rivals Simba SC. However, Stellenbosch stood firm on the valuation of one of their prized assets, making it clear that any interested club would have to trigger the release clause.
Despite the hefty price tag, the Soweto giants remain determined to sign the South African youth international and have intensified negotiations. Amakhosi are listening to offers for wantaway winger Glody Lilepo and are eager to secure Phili’s signature.
ASHLEY DU PREEZ ADDED TO LANGELIHLE PHILI PROPOSAL
As previously reported by FARPost, Chiefs are prepared to include Ashley du Preez, with personal terms agreed with Stellenbosch, along with another player and a cash payment, in an attempt to convince the Cape Winelands outfit to part with Phili.
Chiefs initially offered George Matlou, before the midfielder left the club upon the expiry of his contract in June. They also proposed goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, but were unable to reach an agreement with Stellies. Ntwari has since joined Kruger United on a season-long loan. Interestingly, Phili, who has also been linked with Libyan giants Al-Ittihad Tripoli, has entered the final year of his contract.
The attacker signed his first professional deal with Stellenbosch in 2024 after breaking into the first team, committing to a three-year contract following his arrival from AmaZulu FC the previous season.
He enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough in the reserve side, helping Stellenbosch win the Engen Knockout Challenge, Engen Champ of Champs, DStv Diski Challenge and Premier League Next Generation Cup.
His performances earned him a South Africa Under-20 call-up before he made his senior debut on the final day of the 2023/24 Betway Premiership season against Richards Bay FC.
Phili scored on his first senior start in Stellenbosch’s 5-0 CAF Confederation Cup victory over Mandla Qhogi’s Nsingizini Hotspurs. Since making his debut, he has featured in 72 matches across all competitions. His standout campaign came in 2025/26, when he scored nine goals in 39 appearances and added one assist.
THE QUALITIES PHILI POSSESSES
Yanga’s enquiry is the latest indication that Phili’s performances have attracted attention outside South Africa. However, the Tanzanian champions have since turned their attention elsewhere after baulking at Stellenbosch’s R16 million valuation, leaving Chiefs firmly in the race through their player-plus-cash proposal.
With Orlando Pirates also understood to be monitoring the situation, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining where one of the league’s most sought-after young attackers will be playing next season.
Phili is a powerful, technically gifted forward renowned for his ability to protect the ball and shrug off defenders. Blessed with pace, close control and the confidence to take opponents on, he is equally capable of cutting inside to score or creating chances for teammates. Comfortable on either wing, as a second striker or in the No. 10 role, his balance, strength and ball-carrying ability make him exceptionally difficult to dispossess.
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