I want him to keep scoring, says Fernado da Cruz of Kaizer Chiefs ace striker Langelihle Phili

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has backed Langelihle Phili to build on his first goal for the club, but believes the youngster still has aspects of his game to improve.

The 21 year old has featured in all three of Chiefs’ matches since joining the club, starting against both Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 1-1 draw against Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday finally brought his first goal in Amakhosi colours after he had already impressed in their opening matches against Golden Arrows and Sekhukhune.

Da Cruz was pleased to see the forward rewarded for his efforts but wants Phili to become more effective when Chiefs are forced to defend for long periods.

“First of all I would love that he continues to score,” Da Cruz said at the post-match press conference.

“But also in situations like today where we’re gonna have to defend for long periods, I would love it if he is able to keep the ball more, support the team by keeping the ball because in the first half he lost the ball too much for me.”

Phili’s goal came at a crucial moment for Chiefs as Da Cruz’s side looked to frustrate a Sundowns team that dominated possession for large periods of the contest.

The French coach had opted for a 5-3-2 formation, with Chiefs relying on defensive organisation before attempting to hurt Sundowns in transition.

Phili was one of the players tasked with providing an outlet when Chiefs won possession, making his ability to retain the ball particularly important to the team’s approach.

Da Cruz, however, believes the 22-year-old responded positively after the interval.

“He was able to improve in those aspects in the second half and he was also able to score but we need to give him time to adapt to our club and the game model.”

The goal capped an encouraging start to Phili’s Chiefs career, with his performances earning him a regular role under Da Cruz.

However, the coach’s comments suggest he sees the youngster’s first goal as only part of a broader adaptation process.

Chiefs remain unbeaten after three matches, with two wins and a draw, and Phili will now look to build on his breakthrough goal as he continues to settle into Da Cruz’s system.