Kaizer Chiefs have completed the signing of highly rated winger Langelihle Phili from Stellenbosch FC on a long-term deal. FARPost has established that Chiefs and Stellenbosch have signed the transfer agreement, with the 21-year-old winger also putting pen to paper.
The move is subject to a routine medical after which an official announcement is expected to follow within the next few days. The deal ends a week of negotiations between the two Betway Premiership clubs, with Chiefs succeeding in their pursuit of the South African youth international after Stellies had initially been reluctant to part with one of their brightest prospects.
As part of the agreement, defender Given Msimango and forward Ashley du Preez have moved to Stellies on permanent deals. Phili’s move comes as Congolese attacker Glody Lilepo is on his way out of the club. The winger enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season for Stellenbosch, attracting interest from a number of clubs, but Chiefs emerged as the frontrunners and have now secured his services on a long-term basis.
The transfer gathered pace in recent days, with Phili notably held out of Stellenbosch’s training session on Thursday morning despite reporting with the squad, an indication that the deal was entering its final stages.
For Stellenbosch, the departures of Phili are softened by the arrivals of two experienced Betway Premiership players. Du Preez returns to a club where he previously enjoyed a successful spell before joining Chiefs in 2022. Msimango adds quality and depth to Gavin Hunt’s defensive options.
WHY CHIEFS AGGRESSIVELY PUSHED FOR PHILI
With Lilepo on his way out, Phili emerged as an ideal attacking option for Amakhosi. Newly appointed Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz recently revealed that strengthening the wide areas was one of the club’s priorities. The former AmaZulu FC reserve player signed his first professional contract with Stellenbosch FC in 2024, committing to a three-year deal after joining the Cape Winelands outfit the previous season.
Phili enjoyed a stellar rise through the club’s reserve ranks, helping Stellenbosch win the Engen Knockout Challenge, Engen Champ of Champs, DStv Diski Challenge and the Premier League Next Generation Cup. His performances earned him a South Africa Under-20 call-up before making his senior debut on the final day of the 2023/24 Betway Premiership season against Richards Bay FC.
He announced himself in style by scoring on his first senior start in Stellenbosch’s 5-0 CAF Confederation Cup victory over Mandla Qhogi’s Nsingizini Hotspurs. Since his debut, Phili has made 72 appearances across all competitions. His standout campaign came in 2025/26, when he scored nine goals and registered one assist in 39 matches.
The talented winger becomes Chiefs’ fourth signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, defender Thabo Moloisane and Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtasingwa.
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