Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has addressed the absence of midfielder Asanele Velebayi following the Soweto giants’ 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday night.
The Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium saw the Cape Winelands side frustrate Chiefs, securing a vital three points that moved Gavin Hunt’s men out of the relegation zone. Stellenbosch now sit 11th on the log 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 after the break. Langelihle Phili equalised for Stellies in the 51st minute before Devin Titus sealed the victory with a stunning 87th-minute strike.
This result extends a dominant streak for Stellenbosch, who have now defeated Chiefs three times in a row, having previously knocked them out of both the Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup.
WHAT KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF HAD TO SAY ABOUT ASANELE VELEBAYI’S ABSENCE
Velebayi’s journey to Naturena was hard-fought. After Chiefs failed with two initial bids, the midfielder finally joined the club in August 2025 after a legal battle with Cape Town Spurs. While CT Spurs insisted that Velebayi and teammates like Luke Baartman and Liam Bern were still under contract after their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League, the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber eventually declared him a free agent—allowing him to fulfil his dream of wearing the Gold and Black.
When questioned about the fan-favourite midfielder’s absence from the matchday squad, Ben Youssef was blunt regarding the realities of rotation.
“Unfortunately, in football, we can only start eleven and use five substitutes,” Ben Youssef remarked. “If every press conference is about one specific player without a solution… the only fix is if FIFA allows us to play with 20. When Ethan Chislett plays, people ask why Velebayi isn’t. How many players can we actually field in one match?” the Amakhosi coach questioned.
Supporters are now desperate to see the talented youngster return for the ultimate test this Saturday, February 28. Chiefs are set to host arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership Soweto Derby tie at FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30.
Chiefs currently sit fourth in the standings with 30 points from 16 games—eight points adrift of Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates. The frontrunners are tied at the top with 38 points, having played one game more than Amakhosi. With the gap widening, this Soweto Derby is a must-win if Chiefs hope to keep their Betway Premiership title dreams alive.
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