Kaizer Chiefs Increase Offer for Langelihle Phili as Rival Club Targets R16 Million Move
Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Stellenbosch FC star Langelihle Phili, with the Soweto giants now prepared to table an improved offer that includes two players and a cash payment as they battle growing competition for one of South African football’s most exciting attacking talents.
With the countdown to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season gathering pace, Amakhosi appear determined to secure Phili’s signature as head coach Fernando da Cruz continues rebuilding his squad ahead of a crucial campaign.
According to SABC Sport, negotiations between Chiefs and Stellenbosch are progressing, although neither club has officially confirmed that talks are taking place. Reports suggest Chiefs have now strengthened their proposal in an effort to convince Stellenbosch to part ways with the highly rated winger.
Chiefs first attempted to sign Phili during the January transfer window, but Stellenbosch were unwilling to lose one of their key players in the middle of the season. The club chose to keep hold of the attacker as they continued chasing their ambitions on multiple fronts.
The situation has changed significantly in recent months.
Phili is now entering the final year of his contract, placing Stellenbosch in a difficult position. Rather than risk losing the winger on a free transfer when his deal expires, the Cape Winelands club are reportedly more open to negotiating a sale during the current transfer window.
Ashley du Preez is understood to be central to the proposed agreement. Reports indicate that the Chiefs forward has already agreed personal terms with Stellenbosch. However, his move depends on Phili completing the switch to Naturena.
Chiefs are also believed to have added another player to the package, alongside a cash payment, although the identity of that second player has not yet been disclosed.
The improved offer comes as competition for Phili’s signature continues to grow.
Reports indicate that Young Africans, the Tanzanian giants now coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns boss Manqoba Mngqithi, have entered the race for the 24-year-old. The club is reportedly willing to meet Stellenbosch’s full asking price of R16 million, creating fresh pressure on Chiefs to conclude a deal quickly.
The emergence of another serious bidder appears to have prompted Chiefs to increase their offer as they seek to avoid missing out on one of their primary transfer targets for a second time.
For now, negotiations remain ongoing, and while no agreement has been officially announced, the coming days could prove decisive as Chiefs attempt to win the race for one of the Premier Soccer League’s most sought after attacking players before the new season begins.
