Amakhosi’s latest acquisition, Asenele Velebayi, has finally realised his childhood ambition of becoming a Glamour Boy after arriving at Naturena last week. The 22-year-old has been on Chiefs’ radar for some time and the Club is delighted to finally secure his signature on a long-term contract.

“I’m a young man from Cape Town, originally from the Eastern Cape,” Velebayi tells www.kaizerchiefs.com by way of introduction, before expressing his joy at the prospect of donning the famous Gold & Black. “I can’t even describe the feeling. When I heard the news that I was officially joining Kaizer Chiefs, the first thing I did was call my mother and family to share the good news. I was so happy. It has always been my dream to come here and I aim to make the most of this amazing opportunity,” he adds.

Velebayi, who has already been capped at full international level, representing South Africa at the 2023 COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha in 2023, is relishing the new challenge of moving north, having spent the majority of his life so far in the Western Cape.

“I started playing football at a very young age, around seven or eight, following in the footsteps of my two brothers. My first team was in the township where I’m from, Phillipi. When I was 11, I joined Ajax Cape Town, which is now Cape Town Spurs, and I have been with them the whole time until now,” he says.

The precociously talented Velebayi had been earmarked as a potential Amakhosi star for more than a year and his versatility and pace will add an extra dimension to the team’s attacking options.

“I can play on the right, and as a number 10 as well, but my favoured position is wide on the left as a winger,” he reveals, although he’s totally committed to performing any role he might be called upon to fulfil.

Velebayi’s signing has drawn some anticipation among the Amakhosi Faithful, who are excited to see him in action in the coming weeks. For his part, Velebayi offered his gratitude to his new fans for accepting him into the fold, concluding with, “I want to thank the supporters for the warm welcome I have received. I really hope we all have a wonderful season together.”