Da Cruz gives verdict on Phili's Chiefs debut

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Da Cruz gives verdict on Phili's Chiefs debut

Aug 9, 2026 – 09:10 pm
By Kickoff writer

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has given his verdict on new signing Langelihle Phili, who made his debut for the Soweto giants in the defeat to Golden Arrows.The Amakhosi returned to the tournament after a three-year absence and succumbed to an early second half goal by Khulekani Shezi and in the process exited at the first hurdle as Abafana Besthende marched onto the last four.

“The mindset, the comfort of the player, nothing to say because we missed a lot of chances today. The score is unfortunately is the only one goal changes in the half and after that we tried to come back, but we had a lack of efficiency there,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV.

Also, the coach refused to single out goalkeeper and captain Brandon Petersen for the error that led to the goal and will do a thorough introspection afterwards thus don’t want to put the blame squarely on one player as it’s a team effort.

“I will look at the goal because I will watch the game, but I think the player missed his cross and we lose it all the team lose, I don’t want to say we lost because of one player,” he added.

Phili who joined this week from Stellenbosch FC came on in the second half for his debut, but Cardoso he is still playing catch up.

“They are coming into the team step-by-step, Phili needs to work physically again a little bit and to understand also our modern game, but they will come step-by-step,” Da Cruz said.

The action doesn’t stop for the Amakhosi who are back in action on Wednesday against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.