Chiefs Intensify Pursuit of Phili as du Preez Eyes Return to Stellies

Kaizer Chiefs are pushing hard to get their man. And right now, that man is Stellenbosch’s junior international winger Phathutshedzo Phili.

The Glamour Boys remain intent on bringing Phili to Naturena before the 2026/27 Betway Premiership kicks off, with coach Fernando da Cruz reshaping his squad during a pre-season camp in Spain. The transfer may be unannounced in public, but behind closed doors the deal is very much alive.

Neither club has gone on record to confirm negotiations. Yet discussions are understood to be moving forward, with Chiefs now working on a sweeter, more flexible offer to break the deadlock.

This chase didn’t start in July. Chiefs first made their move in the January window, when Phili also drew an offer from Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya. Stellenbosch dug in. Losing a key attacker mid-season, with no time to find a proper replacement, was a risk they refused to take.

Now the landscape has shifted.

Phili is heading into the final year of his contract. Stellenbosch, aware of the danger of watching a valuable asset walk away for nothing at the end of the campaign, are understood to be more open to a sale. The question has changed from “if” to “when and how much”.

Behind the scenes, one major piece already seems in place. Indications are that Ashley du Preez has agreed personal terms with Stellenbosch, a move that hinges entirely on Phili travelling in the opposite direction. Du Preez, signed by Chiefs from Stellies four years ago, now stands on the brink of a return to familiar ground.

The pressure from Chiefs’ side has risen. The Soweto giants are believed to be ready to include another player in the package, alongside a cash fee, to close the gap in valuations and finally unlock the deal. That additional player’s identity remains under wraps, adding another layer of intrigue to an already complex negotiation.

Whether that revised offer hits the mark is still uncertain. Stellenbosch are weighing up the improved proposal against the footballing value of keeping one of their standout performers for one more season, even if it means losing him for free down the line.

For du Preez, the route is clear: a homecoming to Stellenbosch awaits, but only if Phili’s path leads him to Naturena. The entire move now hangs on whether Chiefs’ latest push is enough to convince Stellies to let their winger go.