Velebayi Reveals How Baartman’s Chiefs Breakthrough Has Inspired Him
Asanele Velebayi has drawn inspiration from close friend Luke Baartman’s breakthrough at Kaizer Chiefs as he prepares for a demanding test against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Just 12 months ago, the two young players were caught in a bitter legal battle with Cape Town Spurs. Today, they are both beginning to establish themselves at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, with their careers taking a promising turn.
Baartman took another important step in his Chiefs journey when he scored his first goal for the club in the 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium.
For Velebayi, the moment carried more significance than simply watching a teammate find the net.
The 23-year-old has known Baartman for years, having also progressed through the Cape Town Spurs structures. He described his friend’s breakthrough as a proud moment and a source of motivation.
“Baartman getting his first goal was inspiring for me. It was also a proud moment because we’ve come a long way together. He is like a brother to me,” said Velebayi.
Now, Velebayi wants to produce his own defining moment.
Velebayi Targets His Own Chiefs Breakthrough
Velebayi featured in 15 matches across all competitions last season, but he is determined to improve his contribution during the current campaign.
His pre-season offered encouraging signs. The winger enjoyed a productive spell in Spain and found the back of the net regularly, but he knows competitive football presents a different challenge.
With the season now under way, Velebayi is targeting consistency and his first competitive goal.
“After a decent pre-season, I’m just looking for consistency,” he said.
That opportunity could come against one of the toughest opponents in South African football.
Chiefs Face African Champions Sundowns
Chiefs face Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in a blockbuster encounter that will provide a major test of their early-season progress.
Sundowns enter the contest as the African champions, raising the stakes for a Chiefs side that has made a strong start to its league campaign.
Velebayi acknowledged the scale of the challenge but believes Chiefs can approach the match with confidence after winning their opening two league games.
“We are playing against the African champions and I can only imagine how tough that is going to be,” he said.
“But we are going into this game with confidence after winning our opening two league games.”
For Velebayi, the fixture also represents an opportunity to show that Chiefs’ young players can perform when the pressure is at its highest.
Fernando Da Cruz Demands More From Chiefs Youngsters
Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has placed his trust in both Velebayi and Baartman, giving the youngsters prominent roles since the beginning of the season.
Velebayi says the French coach has already made his expectations clear.
According to the midfielder, Da Cruz demands maximum effort from his players and refuses to allow them to become satisfied with their performances.
“I’ve picked up from coach Fernando that he is very demanding because even when you think you are performing at your best, he always wants that one percent extra from you,” Velebayi explained.
That mentality could prove important as Chiefs prepare for a fixture in which small mistakes can have major consequences.
Baartman has already taken his opportunity, marking his progress with his first Chiefs goal.
Now Velebayi will be hoping to follow his close friend’s example.
The stage is set against Sundowns, and for the former Spurs youngster, the challenge is no longer about waiting for his breakthrough. It is about taking the opportunity when it arrives.
