Kaizer Chiefs’ interest in Asanele Velebayi has been no secret, with the club being heavily linked to the talented player for months.
After one of the worst seasons in their history during the 2023/24 campaign, the Soweto giants were determined to rebuild their squad and get back to winning ways.
A major shake-up saw the firing of Cavin Johnson and the appointment of Nasreddine Nabi, with a series of new signings following.
A Bold Transformation for Kaizer Chiefs
This wasn’t just a few adjustments here and there.
It was a total overhaul, with high-profile signings like Gastón Sirino, Inacio Miguel, and Bradley Cross brought in to help steer the team in a new direction.
Among the players on their radar was Velebayi, who was expected to be part of the new look Chiefs.
However, despite interest from the Amakhosi, Cape Town Spurs decided to keep hold of their prized asset, dismissing Kaizer Chiefs’ offers as too low.
Having already spent millions of Rands to secure other players, Chiefs were left with little choice but to pull back their interest in Velebayi.
Now, it seems they might not pursue him at all, especially given the current state of their squad.
The Shabalala Effect
Kaizer Chiefs’ situation under Nabi has been far from smooth sailing.
With just four wins, four losses, and three draws to their name, the team finds itself in a tough spot, especially with fierce competition from Orlando Pirates and reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, two players have emerged as bright spots amid the gloom: Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba.
Both youngsters play in positions similar to Velebayi’s, and their performances have provided some much-needed hope for the Chiefs.
A Shift in Priorities for Chiefs
With Shabalala and Duba showing promise, Kaizer Chiefs may now reconsider their strategy.
Instead of focusing on bringing in more unproven talent like Velebayi, it appears that Chiefs’ priorities have shifted to signing experienced players who have already proven themselves at the highest level.
This is reflected in the club’s targets for the January transfer window, with the likes of Bafana Bafana’s Luke Le Roux, Fawaaz Basadien, Zakhele Lepasa, and Fiston Mayele all reportedly on their radar.
Given the hefty investments Chiefs have already made this season, it’s likely that their best chance to recover from their slump will lie in securing seasoned players who can make an immediate impact rather than taking a chance on a promising but untested youngster.
What’s Next for Velebayi and Chiefs?
As Kaizer Chiefs continue to pursue more established names, the future of Velebayi at the club appears uncertain.
Should the Amakhosi make a late push for him, or have they already moved on to other targets? Let us know what you think in the comments below or send us your thoughts via email or WhatsApp.
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