Chiefs’ new X-factor? Da Cruz reveals what Phili must improve

Rugby

Podcasts & Videos

The Club House

Win
–>

Kaizer Chiefs star Langelihle Phili. (Photo: Gallo Images)

Home

Psl

Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs’ new X-factor? Da Cruz reveals what Phili must improve

Aug 19, 2026 – 06:58 pm
By Clifton Mabasa

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has identified an area he wants Langelihle Phili to improve as the young attacker continues to settle in at the club.

Phili joined the Soweto giants in a dream move earlier this month. The 21-year-old, however, was not part of the club’s pre-season preparations in Spain.

Since his arrival, Phili has featured in three matches and scored once, with his goal coming in Chiefs’ 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in their latest clash.

The former Stellenbosch winger has already shown glimpses of the qualities that made Chiefs bring him to Naturena, but Da Cruz believes there is still more to come from the youngster.

“First of all, I would like him to continue to score and also when we defend a lot, like today, I would like that when we recover the ball, he’s able to keep the ball, to support the team,” Da Cruz told journalists.

“In the first half [against Sundowns] he lost too many balls, but in the second half, I told him that we needed him to keep the ball and he was much better and I’m very happy that he scored.”

Da Cruz appears willing to be patient with Phili as he adjusts to a new club, new teammates and a different tactical approach.

“But we need to give him time to adapt himself to our club, to our game model, and it will be better step by step,” he added.

“We need to give him a little bit of time, but I think the more we move forward, the more he is going to be important for the team.”

Chiefs return to action on Wednesday, August 26, away against Richards Bay.

Adverts keep KickOff free to read. Your ad blocker stops them. Please allow adverts on kickoff.com. You can still read without allowing them.