SPOTTED: Wanted Kaizer Chiefs midfielder trains with first team
· The South African
Kaizer Chiefs supporters may have been fearing another academy departure after reports linked Pheko Phago with Sekhukhune United. But the talented midfielder has now been spotted training with the senior team.
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The 21-year-old was involved with the first team ahead of Amakhosi’s final Betway Premiership match of the season against Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.
INTEREST FROM SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
As recently reported by The South African, Sekhukhune United were interested in taking Phago to Babina Noko. The midfielder said to prefer a move into PSL football rather than another season in the DStv Diski Challenge.
The situation immediately raised concern among sections of the Amakhosi support.
Kaizer Chiefs have already watched several highly-rated development products leave in recent years. Puso Dithejane, Khulumani Ndamane, Omega Mdaka and Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi left to become star players at TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch FC.
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Losing another highly regarded talent would only deepen those concerns.
Phago, fondly known as “Spanish Guitar,” has steadily built a reputation inside the club’s development structures. The Krugersdorp-born midfielder won Kaizer Chiefs U19 Player of the Season in 2022 before helping the Glamour Boys secure their maiden DDC title in 2024/25.
He also enjoyed an outstanding spell in the competition with four Man of the Match awards in a six-game period.
A UNIQUE PLAYER FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
Phago is a left-footed number six. His standout quality is his composure, mature decision-making and ability to dictate play. He combines press resistance with an impressive passing range.
His one-touch play and maturity on the ball have stood out, while he also offers more attacking threat than many traditional holding midfielders.
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AREAS FOR GROWTH REMAIN
Like most young midfielders, there are still areas to sharpen.
One is driving with the ball at his feet into attack with more aggression when opponents drop off and close passing lanes.
Another next step could be arriving later into attacking areas for cutbacks and long-range efforts, something that may add even more goals to his game.
For now, though, being spotted with the first team before the Chippa United clash may be the strongest indication yet that Kaizer Chiefs are taking an even closer look at one of their most highly-rated midfield prospects.