Langelihle Phili under pressure after expensive move to Kaizer Chiefs

Shukri Conrad, the coach of the Proteas team, stated that the official start of the ICC 2027 Cricket World Cup brought a tangible sense of anticipation. He emphasized his team's determination to handle the pressure of hosting the tournament and win their first 50-over title.

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Speaking at the tournament launch event, Conrad acknowledged that hosting this major event in South Africa, alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, places a special responsibility on them. Nevertheless, he insists that Proteas uses this weight as a stimulus rather than allowing the occasion to paralyze the team.

Conrad noted: 'This launch makes everything tangible—it makes it real. You start to feel the energy and realize the expectations that come with hosting a home World Cup. Along with these expectations comes the goal of winning our first ODI World Cup. We owe the country a World Cup, and we intend to deliver it.'

South Africa is preparing for an intense summer season, which includes series against Australia, Bangladesh, and England. Although Conrad stressed that the matches against Australia remain the top priority, the upcoming one-day international fixtures will serve as an important proving ground for shaping the World Cup squad.

Conrad explained: 'These ODIs will greatly help in shaping what this squad will look like. Perhaps there will be some experimental work initially, especially during the series against Bangladesh, to give players a chance, but by the time we face England in January, it will be part of our World Cup squad.'

Relying on Proteas' recent progress, including reaching the playoffs in T20 and ODI tournaments, as well as strong performances in Tests, Conrad believes that the growing maturity of the team in 50-over cricket will be crucial. He addressed the players, urging them to draw strength from past lessons and focus on strengthening collective unity, given South Africa's painful history in World Cup playoff matches, including the tragic 1999 semi-final against Australia.

Conrad admitted: '1999 is still vivid—it was traumatic. As they say, hope kills us, but for me, it is now a hope that inspires me. What we might lack in star power or experience compared to previous years, we compensate for with our bond, cohesion, and desire to play as one unit. If we are not desperate and do not let the occasion paralyze us, it will play a big role.'

The new head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Fernando da Cruz, aims to make an immediate impact as the team prepares for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. Chiefs will commence their season against the league newcomers, Kruger United, on Saturday, with Da Cruz striving for a successful start to his time at Naturena.

The Glamour Boys enter the new season with increased hope following a positive pre-season under the French manager. Da Cruz has already signaled his ambitions by stating that Chiefs intends to contend for every available trophy. Furthermore, he has overseen substantial squad restructuring, bringing in several new players to bolster the team while the club refines its offensive unit before the transfer window closes.

However, Chiefs will face a rigorous challenge from Kruger United, a side keen to make their top-flight debut with one of the most significant upsets in recent PSL history. The Village Boys earned promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and view the opening match against Chiefs as an ideal chance to challenge the Soweto giants before they fully adapt to the new coaching regime.

Abram Mongoya, the head coach, expressed that he would have preferred Chiefs as his inaugural opponent if the opportunity arose. Speaking at the PSL season launch, Mongoya noted, “A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it.” He added that the fixture is exciting for fans who have been anticipating such a match, and it offers a good platform for the players to display their skills, especially since TS Galaxy was the only team from their province featuring in top-flight football.

Mongoya suggested that the timing of the match might favor Kruger United, stating, “Getting a Chiefs side at a time where the coaches have not yet settled is a sort of perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.” His technical staff has thoroughly analyzed Chiefs' recent performances during their pre-season tour of Spain. They studied the previous three matches to understand how the team structures and alters its formations, preparing to impose their own style in the major league.

For Chiefs, the Saturday fixture presents a chance to establish an early dominance. Following a promising pre-season and an active transfer period, Da Cruz expects his squad to demonstrate an adoption of his tactical philosophy. Nevertheless, given Kruger United's confidence as a newly promoted side and their motivation to host one of the nation's largest clubs, Chiefs must avoid underestimating their rivals if they wish to secure three points to start the season.

The club has also remained active in the transfer market to enhance the squad for the upcoming season. They have secured the signing of Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, adding another dynamic attacking option after his successful campaign in the Cape Winelands. Phili joins Naturena, having swapped Stellenbosch, as Chiefs targeted him as one of the country's top young talents.

The reshaping of the frontline continues, as Glody Lilepo is reportedly exploring other options, following confirmation from Da Cruz that the DR Congo international is looking elsewhere. Additionally, midfielder Thabo Cele has been informed that he is not included in the coach's plans, while Chiefs continue seeking reinforcements, with Da Cruz publicly mentioning targets for a striker, wingers, and an attacking midfielder. This ongoing transfer activity highlights the club's commitment to equipping the new coach with a roster capable of competing seriously across all competitions this season.