Asanele Velebayi opened his goal account for Kaizer Chiefs with the winning strike in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
The speedy winger scored the decisive goal in Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-1 quarter-final victory over Siwelele FC at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last Sunday.
It was a significant contribution from the 23-year-old, who was introduced as a substitute in the 75th minute and needed just nine minutes to make his mark.
Dominated the encounter
The Glamor Boys had dominated much of the encounter, but found themselves trailing before Wandile Duba converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to restore parity.
Mduduzi Shabalala had earlier missed an opportunity from the penalty spot.
With the match finely balanced, Velebayi eventually provided the breakthrough in the 84th minute.
A defensive mistake from Siwelele allowed Kaizer Chiefs striker Flavio Da Silva to win possession in a dangerous area.
Velebayi immediately found space on the right side of the penalty area, received the pass and calmly fired home.
The goal secured Kaizer Chiefs’ place in the last four and gave the winger a memorable personal milestone.
Velebayi wants more goals for Kaizer Chiefs
Reflecting on the victory, Velebayi admitted that Kaizer Chiefs could have settled the contest much earlier.
“It was a game of transition,” he said.
“There were a lot of turnovers in possession. In truth, we should have wrapped up the game by half-time, and we are working hard to be more clinical in front of goal.”
The former Cape Town Spurs player, who turns 24 in December, said scoring his first Kaizer Chiefs goal was particularly special because it proved decisive.
“Scoring my first goal means a lot, especially that it was a goal that won the match and takes us into the next round,” he said.
Velebayi also made it clear that he wants to contribute more regularly as the season progresses.
“I aim to help the team by improving my all-round game and scoring more goals when I get the chance.”
Kaizer chiefs face massive Sundowns test
Kaizer Chiefs now have Mamelodi Sundowns standing between them and a place in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
The semi-final represents another opportunity for Amakhosi to move closer to ending their long wait for major silverware.
Should they overcome Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs will face either Stellenbosch FC or Orlando Pirates in the final.
The dates and kick-off times for the semi-finals have yet to be confirmed as at the time of publishing, but are expected to take place over the weekend of 21/22 November.
The final is set for Saturday, 12 December 2026.
For Velebayi, his first goal could be the start of an important contribution to Kaizer Chiefs’ pursuit of cup success this season.