Chiefs Intensify Pursuit of Phili as du Preez Eyes Stellies Return

Kaizer Chiefs are refusing to let go of their pursuit of Stellenbosch winger Devin Titus Phili, with the club now ready to sweeten the deal in a bid to land the junior international before the 2026/27 Betway Premiership kicks off.

Fernando da Cruz is busy reshaping his squad at Chiefs’ pre-season camp in Spain, and Phili has emerged as a key target in that rebuild. Negotiations remain under wraps publicly, but discussions between the two clubs are understood to be moving forward as Amakhosi look for a breakthrough.

This is not a new crush. Chiefs first made their move in January, when Phili also drew interest from Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya. Stellenbosch dug in then, unwilling to lose a core player halfway through the campaign with no time to secure a replacement. The door that was slammed in mid-season is now ajar.

The landscape has shifted. Phili is heading into the final year of his contract, and Stellenbosch are now open to a sale rather than watching him walk away for nothing at the end of the season. That contract clock is driving the entire negotiation.

Behind the scenes, the deal has taken on a swap-like shape. Ashley du Preez, who left Stellies for Chiefs four years ago, is understood to have agreed personal terms with his former club, but only on condition that Phili moves in the opposite direction. One winger out, one winger in.

Chiefs, sensing an opportunity, are believed to be prepared to go further. The Glamour Boys are now ready to add another player into the package, on top of a cash fee, in an effort to close the gap between their valuation and Stellenbosch’s demands. The identity of that additional player remains under wraps.

Whether that upgraded offer tips the scales is now the key question. Stellenbosch must weigh the immediate financial and squad benefits of a deal against the value of keeping one of their prized assets for one more season, even with the risk of losing him on a free next year.

For du Preez, the path seems clear. A return to his old stomping ground is on the table, the personal terms are in place, and the reunion is waiting. It all hangs on one decision: will Stellenbosch finally cash in on Phili, or gamble on one last season with a player who may soon walk away for nothing?