Lebogang Phiri confirms Kaizer Chiefs talks amidst search for new club

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri has revealed that his representatives have been in discussions with Kaizer Chiefs following his recent departure from French Ligue 2 side EA Guingamp.

Phiri’s joined Guingamp for a second spell in February 2024 before departing at the end of the 2024-25 season. The Soweto giants have been active in the transfer market, already securing six new signings for the upcoming season: Siphesihle Ndlovu, Nkanyiso Shinga, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Ethan Chislett, and Flavio Silva.

However, the club’s commercial and marketing director, Jessica Motaung, confirmed to SABC News on Monday morning that more acquisitions are expected before the transfer window closes on September 22, 2025.

Phiri, who was present at the Engen Knockout Challenge in Emmarentia, disclosed that initial talks with the Glamour Boys occurred before the team’s pre-season training camp in the Netherlands: “We had small talks with them, but I think it was the time they were going for a pre-season training camp abroad [in the Netherlands],” said Phiri.

He further elaborated :”Yes, Kaizer Chiefs did contact me and my representatives. We had small talks with Amakhosi, but I think since they were going to prepare for their pre-season in the Netherlands, the talks stalled a bit.”

The 30-year-old versatile midfielder remains hopeful that discussions will resume. “But hopefully in the upcoming days or weeks, our talks will resume, and we will come up with something,” he added. “Should something work out, I will be here, but if not, I will go elsewhere and keep pushing.”

As pre-season wraps up for many local clubs, Phiri is evaluating his options, aiming for a long-term commitment. “I think I have done my level best throughout my career to get the opportunities that I got, and I’m hoping to get something concrete enough to say if this is my last club, where maybe I get a three- or five-year contract, I will finish off with a bang,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Chiefs spokesperson Vina Maphosa maintained the club’s stance of not commenting on players not officially contracted to them. “We never do that as Kaizer Chiefs, it will be foreign for me to talk about a player who is not registered with the club.”

The Nasreddine Nabi-coached side returned to South Africa on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after their pre-season camp in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Their focus now shifts to the Toyota Cup tie against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko SC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, July 26, 2025.