Kaizer Chiefs have received encouraging news regarding Langelihle Phili, with the young winger now beginning his rehabilitation following an ankle injury.
The 21-year-old picked up the injury during training last month and is expected to remain unavailable for at least another month.
Phili’s absence comes at an unfortunate time for Amakhosi. The winger had started to settle into life at Naturena after joining Chiefs from Stellenbosch at the beginning of the season.
His performances had begun to show why the club moved to bring him into the squad, particularly with his ability to take on defenders and create opportunities in one-on-one situations.
Fernando Da Cruz provides Phili update
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has confirmed that Phili is now entering the next stage of his recovery.
The winger spent around 10 days without training after sustaining the injury and has now started his rehabilitation programme.
Da Cruz regards Phili as an important member of his squad and believes the youngster has the individual quality to make a difference when he returns.
The coach also highlighted the winger’s ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations, a quality that could provide Chiefs with another attacking option once he is fit.
However, Da Cruz insists he remains confident in the players currently available to him.
Chiefs have attacking options
While Phili continues his recovery, Chiefs can turn to other attacking players, including Faiz Abrahams, who also arrived from Stellenbosch.
The Amakhosi have continued to create chances despite their injury problems, although Da Cruz has acknowledged that his side need to become more clinical in front of goal.
Phili’s eventual return could therefore be particularly important as Chiefs look to improve their attacking efficiency.
More injury concerns for Amakhosi
Phili is not the only Chiefs player currently dealing with an injury.
Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, Nkhayiso Shinga and Khanyisa Mayo are also among those unavailable.
Despite those setbacks, Chiefs remain firmly in the race near the top of the Betway Premiership, currently sitting third behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
With the season still developing, Amakhosi will hope their injured players can return soon and strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.
For now, the biggest positive is that Phili has moved into rehabilitation — another step towards his return to action.
