Kaizer Chiefs Receive Major Injury Boost As Key Star Nears Return

NEWS HUB CREATOR • 24m ago

Kaizer Chiefs have received a major boost ahead of their Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, with winger Langelihle Phili closing in on his return to competitive action.

The 21-year-old has been sidelined for more than three months after suffering a serious ankle injury, but head coach Fernando da Cruz has provided encouraging news about his recovery.

Phili sustained the injury during training following Chiefs’ 1-1 draw against Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on 15 August 2026.

The setback came at an unfortunate time for the young attacker, who had made an encouraging start to life at Naturena after joining Amakhosi from Stellenbosch FC.

He scored his first goal for the club against Sundowns and quickly demonstrated why the Chiefs technical team had brought him to the club.

However, the ankle injury interrupted his progress and forced him to miss eight competitive matches across all competitions.

**Da Cruz Provides Positive Injury Update**

Speaking after Chiefs’ 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals, Da Cruz confirmed that Phili had returned to training with the first team.

The French tactician revealed that the youngster had resumed football sessions on the pitch, putting him closer to making his competitive comeback.

“[Langelihle] Phili restarted this week [last week] with the squad and has been taking part in football sessions on the field,” Da Cruz said, as quoted by FARPost.

“So, he is close to restarting to play competitions. Maybe he will be ready for the semi-final, we don’t know, but we’ll work a lot with him during this FIFA break.”

The coach’s comments suggest that Chiefs are carefully managing the winger’s return rather than rushing him back into competitive football.

Chiefs have been drawn against Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals, with the encounter scheduled for the weekend of 21 and 22 November.

The potential availability of Phili would provide Da Cruz with another attacking option against the Tshwane giants.

The winger’s ability to take on defenders, create opportunities and operate in wide attacking positions could be particularly valuable in such a demanding fixture.

His previous performance against Sundowns also offers encouragement, having scored against them before picking up the injury.

Nevertheless, his involvement will depend on how he responds to training during the November FIFA international break.

For Chiefs supporters, the latest update is encouraging news after several weeks without one of their promising attacking players.

While his return date has not been confirmed, Phili is moving closer to competitive action, and the Sundowns semi-final could provide the stage for his long-awaited comeback.