Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has confirmed that fast-rising winger Langelihle Phili has returned to full group training following his recovery from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The South African junior international has been sidelined from Amakhosi action since the high-intensity 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on 15 August 2026.
The 21-year-old attacker suffered a severe ankle injury in training after that encounter, which forced him to miss the Soweto giants’ last eight competitive fixtures across all competitions.
Chiefs had previously issued a medical update in early October revealing that the former Stellenbosch FC talent would remain out of action for an extended period.
However, FARPost spotted the dynamic winger taking part in club promotional activations in Polokwane over the weekend ahead of their Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final tie against Siwelele FC. Phili was pictured alongside high-profile new signing Elias Mokwana and forward Khanyisa Mayo, who continues to push for increased game time under Da Cruz.
DA CRUZ CONFIRMS PHILI’S RETURN TO FULL TRAINING
Speaking to the media following Amakhosi’s 2-1 victory over Siwelele at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, Da Cruz revealed that Phili has rejoined the rest of the squad on the pitch, noting that his return to competitive match action is now only a matter of time.
“[Langelihle] Phili restarted this week [last week] with the squad and has been taking part in football sessions on the field,” Da Cruz told journalists in Polokwane. “So, he is close to restarting to play competitions.
“Maybe he will be ready for the semi-final; we don’t know, but we’ll work a lot with him during this FIFA [international] break for [November].
TARGETING SUNDOWNS CUP CLASH FOR ATTACKER’S RETURN
The French tactician was referring to the upcoming Carling Knockout Cup semi-final showdown after Chiefs were drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns in a marquee fixture.
Before his injury lay-off, Phili made a stellar impression at Naturena after moving from Stellenbosch FC this season. His debut goal for the club came against Sundowns in mid-August.
Da Cruz will be breathing a massive sigh of relief seeing one of the club’s key attacking additions closing in on full fitness, particularly with the FIFA international window providing additional recovery time. The international break, running from Monday, 9 November to Tuesday, 17 November, gives the technical team an ideal window to work closely on Phili’s match readiness.
Following the FIFA break, Chiefs will resume competitive action when they travel to face Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals on the weekend of 21 and 22 November.
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