Johannesburg – Asenele Velebayi has opened up about his transfer to Kaizer Chiefs, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-held dream. The 22-year-old winger signed a long-term contract with Amakhosi last Tuesday after months of speculation linking him with the Soweto giants.
The move, however, has not been without complications. Cape Town Spurs, his former club, has taken the matter to the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal after the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled that Velebayi was a free agent. Spurs were relegated to the amateur ranks from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but they maintain that the player’s release was not legally binding. Until the tribunal delivers a final verdict, Velebayi will have to wait before making his debut in the famous gold and black jersey.
Speaking shortly after putting pen to paper, the Eastern Cape-born attacker shared the first thing he did after officially becoming a Chiefs player. “When I heard the news, I immediately called my mother and family. I was so happy. This has always been my dream, and I want to make the most of this opportunity,” he said.
Velebayi, who spent most of his footballing years in the Western Cape, described himself as versatile but most comfortable playing wide on the left. He added that he is ready to slot into any position coach Nasreddine Nabi assigns to him.
To the Kaizer Chiefs supporters, the young forward had words of gratitude. “I want to thank the fans for the warm welcome. I really hope we all have a great season together,” he said.
