Phili warned about ‘Billiat and Dolly problems’ at Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger-cum analyst Junior Khanye has praised the club’s acquisition of winger Langelihle Phili but warns that the young player will face significant pressure due to a lack of quality support in the squad.

Phili was unveiled by Chiefs on Monday, having signed a long-term contract from Stellenbosch FC. The deal is part of a larger transfer arrangement that will see Ashley Du Preez and Given Msimango move to the Cape Winelands club.

The 21-year-old winger arrived in Johannesburg over the weekend to finalise his contract, with an official announcement made on Monday afternoon as he became the fourth signing under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.

Kaizer Chiefs new signing Langelihle Phili with club chairman Kaizer Motaung and Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye expressed his excitement for the South African youth international but predicted a challenging road ahead. He drew parallels to the struggles faced by former Chiefs attackers like Khama Billiat, Gaston Sirino and Keagan Dolly.

Why Khanye is worried about Phili

“He’s a player for a big team and it’s been long coming,” Khanye stated. “The boy worked for it and he has a bright future if he can remain humble when he arrives in Johannesburg because it’s different from Cape Town.”

However, Khanye cautioned that Phili’s talent alone might not be enough to succeed without a stronger team around him.

Kaizer Chiefs new signing Langelihle Phili. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

“I think it’s a good signing, but if they won’t complement him… It’s like saying you want to eat good food, but you don’t buy the ingredients, so it’s going to be difficult,” he explained.

“Who’s going to cook and dish for the boy? Do they have a proper number 10 at Kaizer Chiefs who can fetch the ball, rotate it, and drive the midfield? I mean a playmaker? They don’t have that type of player.”

Khanye believes the burden of expectation will fall heavily on the young winger’s shoulders, a situation he feels has hampered other talented players at the club.

Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr and new signing Langelihle Phili. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Could new winger face Billiat and Dolly problems?

“I’m excited for the boy, but his situation is similar to that of Khama Billiat and Sirino because everything will be put on his shoulders,” Khanye continued.

“It tells you they don’t want to spend money, and they should have spent money on at least eight, nine, even ten or eleven players because they can’t promote from their development structures.”

Keagan Dolly had a tough time at Kaizer Chiefs. Picture courtesy of Facebook/Keagan Dolly

He concluded by highlighting the immense pressure Phili will face, especially given his relative inexperience compared to seasoned professionals who have previously struggled at the club.

“Worse for the boy, he doesn’t have much experience. Yes, he has potential, but Khama and Keagan Dolly were experienced and they were overwhelmed with pressure. That boy needs people who will complement him, like a proper number 10. But he’s a good signing, a crowd-puller.”