Kaizer Chiefs are plotting a massive statement signing ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign, with reports linking the Soweto giants to Stellenbosch FC’s breakout star, Langelihle Phili.
According to reports from Soccer Laduma, the 21-year-old dynamic winger has heavily attracted the attention of the Amakhosi hierarchy following a stellar campaign in the Cape Winelands. However, Naturena faces a major roadblock: the South Africa U20 international’s stellar performances have also alerted several unnamed European clubs. Valued at nearly R20 million (€750,000) on Transfermarkt, Phili represents one of the most lucrative and highly sought-after young talents in local football.
The Stellies-to-Naturena pipeline?
Should Chiefs pull off the deal, it would mark their second raid on the Maroon machine this window. Internal club sources suggest that Amakhosi have already quietly wrapped up a deal for veteran Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane, with an official announcement expected in due course.
Conversely, Chiefs have bid a proud farewell to 22-year-old academy graduate Aden McCarthy. The promising defender has officially completed an R7 million permanent move to Azerbaijan Premier League powerhouses Sabah FK, where he is set to compete in the qualifying rounds of next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Naturena Clear-Out: Three More Big Names Headed for the Exit?
To make room for incoming reinforcements, Naturena is bracing for a significant squad trimming. Three high-profile figures have been tipped to follow McCarthy out the door:
| Player | Position | Current Transfer Situation |
| Fiacre Ntwari | Goalkeeper | Set to exit after falling behind club captain Brandon Petersen, Cedric Kaze, and Khalil Ben Youssef in the pecking order. |
| Happy Mashiane | Defender / Winger | Facing long-term uncertainty after multiple windows of speculation; this is widely expected to be his final exit window. |
| Gastón Sirino | Attacking Midfielder | Rumored to be deemed surplus to requirements as the technical team aggressively lowers the squad’s average age. |
