Kaizer Chiefs Winger Asanele Velebayi Reflects on Legal Hurdles and New Chapter at Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi has opened up about the challenges he faced during his transfer from Cape Town Spurs, a process delayed by legal issues that required over two months to resolve through the SAFA Arbitration ruling led by Advocate Hilton Epstein SC. The 23-year-old finally made his debut for Chiefs in November, marking the end of a lengthy wait.

Speaking at the club’s base on Monday, Velebayi expressed his gratitude for joining a team he has long admired. “For me, it is pretty obvious, I have always wanted to play for this club. I can be grateful that I’m finally here,” he said. While the move from Cape Town Spurs was complicated, he prefers to focus on the present rather than dwell on past legal battles.

Velebayi highlighted the mental strength required to navigate the uncertain period. “It was a tough moment for me, not only for me but my family as well, but again I would like to give compliments for myself for staying focused. I was just keeping fit and staying ready because I didn’t know what was going to happen,” he explained. His disciplined approach ensured he was prepared once the transfer was finalized.

The winger also acknowledged the personal and professional adjustments that come with joining a club of Chiefs’ stature. “Obviously, it has been a huge change to my life, not only as a footballer but a person as well, because Kaizer Chiefs is a big club. It has changed me a lot, but also helped me focus more because of the pressure and the lifestyle outside football, which has helped me stay focused more, knowing that there are sacrifices to be made,” Velebayi added.

He emphasized that the move has been positive, offering growth both on and off the pitch. “There are things that I cannot do, and it has been positive in that way,” he said, underlining how the experience has strengthened his focus and professionalism. Velebayi now looks forward to making a significant impact for Amakhosi as he fully embraces this new chapter in his career.