Just two days before Stellenbosch FC open their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against AmaZulu FC, head coach Gavin Hunt left star winger Langelihle Phili out of training as the youngster edges closer to completing his much-anticipated move to Kaizer Chiefs.
Training got underway at 8:30 am at Stellenbosch’s training base, with Phili present but not taking part in any activities. The latest development is the clearest indication yet that the transfer is entering its final stages after Amakhosi and Stellies reached an agreement in principle over the proposed deal.
FARPost understands that defender Given Msimango and forward Ashley du Preez have both been included in the proposed player-plus-cash package to secure the signature of the 21-year-old. Du Preez has already agreed to a permanent deal with Stellies.
Phili’s omission from Thursday morning’s training session comes at a significant time for Stellenbosch, who travel to Durban to face AmaZulu FC at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in their opening league fixture on Saturday.
Stellenbosch had initially been reluctant to sanction the transfer, with indications that Hunt was keen to build his team around the South African youth international. However, negotiations have progressed significantly in recent days, bringing all parties closer to reaching an agreement.
PHILI PREFERRED AS GLODY LILEPO EDGES CLOSER TO EXIT
The signing of Phili comes at a time when Glody Lilepo has also flown out of the country to finalise his move to Libyan side Al Ahli Benghazi. Amakhosi allowed the Congolese winger to travel and conclude the transfer after agreeing terms with Al Ahli for the 29-year-old.
Phili is seen as the ideal replacement for Lilepo, hence Chiefs’ persistence in pursuing his signature. FARPost has gathered that Chiefs first made contact with Stellenbosch earlier this year.
The former AmaZulu development player has made 72 appearances in all competitions for Stellenbosch, contributing 11 goals and two assists.
Speaking at the Betway Premiership 2026/27 season launch at The Venue at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Hunt admitted that Phili’s future could be decided soon.
“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 told reporters.
“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.”
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