Kaizer Chiefs Transfers: Amakhosi release highly-rated duo

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that two more of their promising young talents, Naledi Hlongwane and Pheko Phago, have joined Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hope FC on season-long loans.

The pair, considered among the brightest prospects in the Amakhosi youth system, will spend the 2026/27 campaign with the newly-promoted club to gain valuable first-team experience.

This move sees Hlongwane and Phago reunite with fellow Chiefs academy graduates Samkelo Zwane and goalkeeper Bontle Molefe, who also recently secured loan deals with the Cape Town-based team.

Pheko Phag looking for better opportunities

Phag is a highly-rated central midfielder who Chiefs hope can blossom into a key player in the near future. The 21-year-old left-footed star was crowned the Players’ Player of the Season in 2025 when Chiefs won their maiden DStv Diski Challenge title.

He was promoted to the senior team last season but did not make an appearance, making the bench or the club’s final match of the campaign against Chippa United.

Competition for Hlongwane at Kaizer Chiefs

Meanwhile, striker Hlongwane has fared better as he played twice for Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League last season but with a lot of options in attack for coach Fernando da Cruz, the club has opted to release him to gain valuable playing time and experience in Cape Town.

The Glamour Boys have been actively using the loan system this season to accelerate the development of their fringe and youth players.

Other notable academy products currently plying their trade at various domestic clubs include Sifiso Timba, Ofentse Kgosana, and Vicky Mkhawana.