Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has addressed the absence of midfielder Asanele Velebayi following Amakhosi’s 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday night.
The Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium saw the Cape Winelands side frustrate the Soweto giants, securing a vital three points that moved Gavin Hunt’s men out of the relegation zone. As things stand, Stellenbosch are placed 11th on the log standings with 19 points from 17 matches.
The home side initially took control when Flavio Da Silva converted a Glody Lilepo assist in the 36th minute. However, the momentum shifted in the second half. Langelihle Phili equalised for Stellies in the 51st minute, with Devin Titus sealing the victory with a late [87th minute] stunner.
This result marks a dominant streak for Stellenbosch, who have now defeated Chiefs three times in a row, having previously knocked them out of both the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup.
Velebayi’s journey to Naturena was a hard-fought one. After Chiefs failed with two initial bids, the midfielder finally joined the side in August 2025.
His move to Chiefs followed a legal battle with Cape Town Spurs FC after the club’s relegation to the amateur ranks [ABC Motsepe League].
While Spurs insisted that Velebayi and teammates like Luke Baartman and Liam Bern were still under contract, the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber eventually declared him a free agent, allowing him to fulfil his dream of wearing the Gold and Black.
WHAT KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF HAD TO SAY ABOUT ASANELE VELEBAYI’S ABSENCE
When questioned about why the fan-favorite midfielder was left out of the matchday squad, Ben Youssef was blunt about the realities of squad rotation.
“Unfortunately, in football, we have to use eleven players, and we have nine substitutions,” said Ben Youssef.
“So, if in every press conference I’m going to discuss a certain player with no solution, the only solution is when FIFA allows us to play with 20 players; then we can find solutions. When Ethan Chislett plays, we ask why Velebayi isn’t playing. How many players can we use in a match?”
Supporters are now hoping to see the talented youngster return for the ultimate test this Saturday, February 28. Chiefs are set to host arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium, with kick off scheduled for 15:30.
Chiefs sit fourth in the standings with 30 points after 16 games. They find themselves eight points adrift of Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates, who are tied at the top of the log with 38 points each, having played one game more than Amakhosi.
With Chiefs trailing the leaders by eight points, the upcoming Derby is a must-win if they want to keep their dream of winning the Betway Premiership title alive.
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