It hasn’t taken long for Langelihle Phili to attract the affection of the Club’s vast fanbase since he signed from Stellenbosch in early August.

The winger’s pace and trickery have amplified the levels of excitement among the Amakhosi Faithful, who have a long history of appreciation for crafty, skilful players that run at opponents with positive intent. His goal, which put Chiefs deservedly into a 1-0 lead in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns capped an excellent overall showing from the 21-year-old.

Speaking exclusively to www.kaizerchiefs.com, Phili says, “For me to represent Kaizer Chiefs is an honour and a privilege, and being able to help the team is a testament to the people within the Club and the organisation who have welcomed me with open arms. They have provided me with the environment to give something back through doing my best and putting in good performances.”

To register his first goal for Kaizer Chiefs in a high-stakes clash against another giant of the domestic and continental game is particularly pleasing for Phili, who explains, “Obviously, being at such a great football institution as Kaizer Chiefs you want to play in the big games, so being able to play and score against Mamelodi Sundowns, the African champions, was huge for me, as could be seen from my celebration.”

That said, he maintains a grounded approach to his football, mindful of not getting to far ahead of himself, stating, “Still, my overriding aim is to help the team in any way possible. In order to maintain my form consistently I must just keep listening to the coach and the technical team, learning from my teammates and just keep trying hard every day to become a better version of myself.”

Phili’s style has evoked memories among the supporters of the halcyon days of such eminent legends as Teenage Dladla and Jabu Mahlangu who thrilled them with dazzling skill in years gone by. He felt that love when pandemonium erupted inside the FNB stadium when he scored on Saturday and he aims to repay them in kind with his exploits on the pitch.

“It’s the best feeling ever to be loved by supporters,” he reflects, “When I arrived at the Club my priority was to earn the love of the fans. I’ll keep on trying to please them through maximum effort, which is something they appreciate.”