Langelihle Phili of Stellenbosch FC celebrates after scoring during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 game between Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 3 December 2025 © Nic Bothma/BackpagePix
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026. 16:00
Libyan giants Al-Ittihad have expressed interest in signing Stellenbosch’s Langelihle Phili.
This is according to SABC Sport.
According to the state broadcaster, Al-Ittihad are believed to have submitted a bid for the young talent before the closing of the transfer window, but Stellenbosch’s unwillingness to let the player go without a concrete replacement lined-up, as well as time constraints, led to the deal breaking down.
The Libyan club recently acquired the services of South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch from Moroccan side Wydad AC, and he has already made a good impression, scoring on debut at the weekend.
Phili joined the Maroons’ reserve side in August 2024 from AmaZulu and has since burst into the first team at the Cape Winelands club.
The 21-year-old featured for Amajita at the both the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA U20 World Cup in 2025 and has continental experience playing in the CAF Confederation Cup.
In the Betway Premiership, Phili has registered five goals in 12 appearances this season and netted one goal in Stellenbosch’s disappointing Confederation Cup campaign which saw them fail to reach the quarterfinals.
With the potential move north having fallen through, it remains to be seen whether Phili will stay at the club or depart at the end of the season.
By Nic Gleeson