Gavin Hunt has responded to Kaizer Chiefs’ interest in Langelihle Phili, admitting that while Stellenbosch FC do not want to lose the highly-rated winger, contractual realities could dictate his future.
Phili has emerged as a prime target for the Soweto giants, who are looking to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, which kicks off this weekend. Chiefs are determined to arm head coach Fernando Da Cruz with a competitive squad capable of challenging domestic powerhouse rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates for silverware.
So far, the Glamour Boys have taken a calculated approach to the transfer market, securing just three new additions: defender Thabo Moloisane, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, and Tanzanian midfielder Mtasingwa Bitegeko from Azam FC. However, with the window remaining open until September, the Naturena-based side is far from done.
Da Cruz has publicly confirmed his intent to add two wingers, an attacking midfielder, and a centre-forward before the deadline.
INSIDE THE R16M BATTLE FOR PHILI
Phili remains high on Chiefs’ priority list, though Stellenbosch FC’s steep R16 million price tag has proved a sticking point. The South African junior international’s stock has soared, recently drawing interest from Tanzanian champions Young Africans SC. However, Yanga backed off after baulking at the R16m valuation, leaving Chiefs in pole position.
To bridge the financial gap, FARPost understands that Chiefs have proposed a player-plus-cash package. Amakhosi are prepared to offer Ashley Du Preez—who has already agreed to personal terms for a return to the Cape Winelands—along with cash and an additional player. Chiefs had previously offered George Matlou before his contract expired in June, as well as goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, though talks stalled; Ntwari has since joined Kruger United on a season-long loan.
With Phili entering the final year of his contract—and Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad Tripoli alongside Orlando Pirates keeping close tabs on the situation—the coming weeks will be decisive in settling the future of one of the PSL’s hottest prospects.
HUNT NOT RULING OUT PHILI’S MOVE TO KAIZER CHIEFS
The skilful winger has amassed 72 appearances across all competitions for Stellenbosch, scoring 11 goals and chipping in with two assists. His impressive attacking output has caught the eye of the Chiefs hierarchy, who view him as a key long-term investment.
Addressing the potential exit of the 21-year-old, Hunt refused to rule out losing one of his primary attacking weapons, revealing that Phili’s future could be decided within the next 48 hours.
Hunt was speaking during the Betway Premiership 2026/27 season launch at The Venue at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon.
“Obviously we don’t want to lose the player [Phili], he’s one of the hot properties in South Africa, but contractual circumstances come into play,” Hunt said.
“There’s been a lot of media speculation; I’m sure in the next day or two we’ll hear some more. I don’t know [what’s going to happen]; right now I came to the press conference and another [Stellies] player got sold. [Thapelo Mokobodi to Orlando Pirates]”.
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