Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen says he was surprised with the manner in which new signing Langelihle Phili has already adjusted at the club.
Phili, 21, completed a long term deal to Chiefs at the beginning of the week signing from Stellenbosch where he spent the last three seasons. The top goal scorer at Stellies last season is the fifth signing so far at Naturena this season.
Meanwhile Petersen told the media on the side of the MTN8 launch on Wednesday that he’s watched Phili in training and sees the signs that the youngster is going to do well.
“I think for me to see a younger player like that just come in and settle it’s a good sign,” said Petersen.
“You know normally when players come into a new team especially the younger ones, it takes them a bit of a while before they settle. I think with him, I’ve watched him and I was like okay we are fine we are good to go.
“Just the fact that when he stepped on the field, no one had to motivate, encourage him like don’t worry he’s going to settle in. Stepped on the field and it’s like he’s always been there.
“So that for me is a good sign and that gives me confidence and that it’s not going to take him a long time to just come and do his business.”
The goalkeeper also admitted that the fact that there are faces Phili knows from the national U20 side at Chiefs is also helping with the integration.
“That could be a good part that played a big role in settling in so well,” added Petersen.
“I think also it speaks to him as a player, you know his confidence and just him backing himself especially coming to a team like Chiefs. You know there’s expectations, all eyes are on you.”
“I think for me that’s a good sign, for me as one of his teammates to know that he backs himself and that he knows what he’s capable of doing.”