Stellenbosch FC's Langelihle Phili celebrates his goal against Kaizer Chiefs this past season.
Image: BackpagePix
When Langelihle Phili arrived at the Stellenbosch FC Awards last year, he was celebrated as a champion after his exploits for Amajita at the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. But deep down, the youngster still felt that he was not worthy.
After arriving in the Western Cape from the AmaZulu Reserves, Phili had not yet made his mark at his new club. He was still very much a squad player, learning his trade and hoping to grasp any opportunities that former coach Steve Barker threw his way.
Fast forward 12 months, and Phili was the headline act at this season’s Stellenbosch FC gala awards on Tuesday night, walking away with four prizes: Players’ Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, Golden Boot, and Rama Fans' Player of the Season.
It was an incredible achievement for the 21-year-old, with his nine goals across all competitions punctuating a season in which the former Glenwood High School learner truly came of age.
“Looking at last season, it was my first in the PSL. I had goals and dreams that I set out for myself, and unfortunately, I couldn't achieve them," Phili said. "All I can say is that I want to thank the previous coach, coach Steve, and also my teammates for helping me last year because it was a difficult season for me.
“I was learning and adjusting. Going into this season, I told myself that I just had to believe in my abilities, try my best to play with a smile, enjoy it, use the talent that God gave me, and just drive.
“Basically, all these awards that I've received today don't just go to me; they go to my family because they're the ones who have been with me throughout this whole journey. They keep supporting me and motivating me to keep pushing, even when things are not going well.
“I feel very blessed, and I feel like this is also another step in my career, which I've wanted since the start. I'm really glad that the hard work and dedication I put towards the game on the pitch, and my efforts to help my team, have been recognised.”
Phili’s performances over the past season have not gone unnoticed. He has not only drawn praise at Stellenbosch FC but has also attracted interest from clubs across the continent, including Libyan Premier League heavyweights Al-Ittihad and local giants Kaizer Chiefs.
However, the forward is focused solely on growing his career at the Maroons under new coach Gavin Hunt, after Barker left to join Tanzanian outfit Simba FC at the end of last year.
“It's been very difficult moving from one coach to another, but they're both very good coaches,” Phili said.
“They both want the best for each and every one of us. Having coach Gavin, we obviously got better results. I can put it like that because when the season started, we didn't actually get the best results. Coach Gavin gave us another way to get results — to grind out results.
“I think he's a very good coach and he believes in young players. He has managed some great players and has done a lot in South African football. As a team, we're going to learn from him and try our best to fight for him in every match, and in every single tournament or cup that we participate in.”
Phili is hoping to end the 2025/26 season on a high note when Stellenbosch FC faces Marumo Gallants in a must-win encounter if they are to feature in next season’s MTN8 competition.
“I think Saturday's game is vitally important,” he said.
“Even though it's the last game of the season and everyone is looking forward to taking a break, going home, and seeing their loved ones, we also have to focus on this last match and try our best to get points, so we can put ourselves in a better position.”