Having shared a dressing room with the 21-year-old during his loan spell at Stellenbosch last season, Mabasa says he got to witness first-hand what makes Phili such a difficult player to contain.
According to Mabasa, Phili combines explosive pace with incredible strength, making him almost impossible to dispossess once he gets on the ball.
"Phili is very strong and he never loses the ball when it's at his feet. He would rather lose it while trying to dribble and make a mistake, but you would never take the ball off his feet. He is that strong, especially his legs," Mabasa said on the Apex Sports International Podcast.
"He is short and has a low centre of gravity, so it's difficult to take the ball off him. He is quick, can cut inside and finish. South African defenders are still going to cry about him."
Mabasa revealed that he had already noticed Phili's qualities long before they became teammates.
The former Buccaneers forward recalled Stellenbosch's MTN8 final clash against Pirates two seasons ago, when Phili made a late substitute appearance and immediately caught his attention with an impressive display against then-Pirates defender Thabiso Lebitso.
"I remember when we played them in the MTN8 final two seasons ago. He came on in the last five minutes and went straight at Lebitso after receiving the ball. Lebitso is strong too, but he ended up falling while trying to push him," Mabasa recalled.
"After the game, Lebitso started asking, 'Who is that boy who is so strong and dribbles so much?'"
Philiihas continued to establish himself as one of Stellenbosch's brightest young talents since breaking into the senior side late in 2024. His performances have produced both goals and assists, while attracting interest from several Premier Soccer League clubs.
Kaizer Chiefs have been heavily linked with the exciting winger as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign, although Stellenbosch are expected to fight hard to keep one of their prized assets.
Newly appointed Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz was denied victory in his first match in charge after Amakhosi were held to a 1-1 draw by Scottish side Rangers in a pre-season friendly in Spain on Sunday.
Nedbank Cup champions Durban City have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Uruguayan veteran midfielder Gaston Sirino ahead of the 2026/27 season.
South Africa's four representatives in CAF club competitions now have a clearer picture of the road ahead after the continental football governing body confirmed key dates for the upcoming campaign.
Sekhukhune United have reportedly completed the signing of goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi following his recent departure from Orlando Pirates.
