Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has confirmed a major setback for Langelihle Phili after the highly-rated winger was a surprise omission from the squad that drew 2-2 with Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership.
Phili was a notable absentee from Chiefs’ matchday squad when the Soweto giants played to a thrilling stalemate against Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Wednesday night.
Amakhosi conceded two sloppy goals through defensive errors, but they managed to fight back to force a draw against the Natal Rich Boys.
Chiefs missed an opportunity to remain level on points with early pace setters on the league table, log leaders Orlando Pirates and second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, after the two clubs moved to 10 points after winning their respective midweek games.
As it stands, Chiefs are sitting third on the log standings with eight points, having registered two wins and two draws in the opening four matches of the 2026/27 season.
LANGELIHLE PHILI PICKS UP INJURY AT KAIZER CHIEFS TRAINING
With Chiefs gunning for trophies in the current campaign, they have lost one of their exciting wingers, Phili, who signed with the club in the current transfer window from Stellenbosch FC.
Following a stellar start to his Kaizer Chiefs career—highlighted by a Man of the Match display and a goal in his first three outings—Phili has been hit by a major injury setback. Head coach Da Cruz has revealed that the rising star sustained an injury at the Naturena training grounds and is set for at least two months on the sidelines.
“Phili is the bad news for our wing [position] because he was injured at training and he will be out for around eight weeks,” said Fernando Da Cruz.
Meanwhile, Amakhosi revealed the exact nature of the setback, confirming the wide man has sustained an ankle injury.
“Chiefs have suffered a setback with new attacker Langelihle Phili, who scored in the recent draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, sidelined by an ankle injury. He is expected to return in eight weeks’ time. On the positive side, Reeve Frosler has recovered after missing the Sundowns clash,” Amakhosi declared.
In Phili’s absence, Da Cruz will lean on wide options like Asanele Velebayi, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Pule Mmodi to step up in the starting line-up.
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