Orlando Pirates legend Benedict Vilakazi believes Kaizer Chiefs’ newest signing, Langelihle Phili, could face a difficult debut season at Naturena.
The 21-year-old attacker was officially unveiled on Monday as Amakhosi’s fifth signing ahead of the new campaign.
Phili arrives at Chiefs with high expectations after impressing during his time at Stellenbosch FC, where he established himself as one of the country’s most promising young attacking talents.
Vilakazi, however, feels the youngster could struggle to make an immediate impact unless he receives adequate support from his teammates.
“Before he even wears the Kaizer Chiefs jersey, he will struggle. He is going to struggle like all these players who came to Chiefs, like Khama Billiat,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.
Tso on why Phili will struggle at Kaizer Chiefs
“Phili is going to need support. He will need people who will win the ball for him. He will need players who create space and provide passing options when he is in possession.”
The former Pirates star warned that Phili could face the same challenges experienced by other high-profile attackers who arrived at Kaizer Chiefs carrying the weight of expectations.
“It will be like another Billiat, Keagan Dolly and Gaston Sirino situation. He will have so much on his shoulders and when he doesn’t perform, people will say he failed at Kaizer Chiefs.
“He needs to have good players around him so that we can see the best version of him,” Vilakazi added.
Phili could make his Kaizer Chiefs debut this weekend when Amakhosi take on Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
