Kaizer Chiefs draw confidence from strong start before Sundowns test

Kaizer Chiefs will take a 100% record and a belief that they can overcome Africa’s champions into Saturday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

The match kicks off at 15:00, with Chiefs seeking a third successive league victory after beating newcomers Kruger United and Sekhukhune United in their opening two fixtures.

Midfielder Asanele Velebayi says Chiefs understand the scale of the challenge posed by Sundowns, who are the reigning CAF Champions League champions, but believes their early form has strengthened the team’s confidence and mentality.

“We are playing against African champions, so I can imagine how tough that is going to be, but we are going into this game with the confidence from winning our last game,” Velebayi told the media during their pre-match press conference.

“I will say the confidence is high. The mentality is high because we know what is required.”

Chiefs secured their second win of the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune on Wednesday. The result also provided a personal boost for Velebayi’s fellow attacking midfielder Luke Baartman, who scored his first goal for the club.

Velebayi, 23, said Baartman’s breakthrough had encouraged him as he continues to search for his own opening goal of the season.

“Baartman getting his first goal against Sekhukhune was inspiring for me. It was also a happy moment because we came together from the youth of Ajax Cape Town, which is now Cape Town Spurs.

“So seeing him scoring was almost like me scoring my first goal because he’s like a brother to me. We came a long way, so that was a proud moment.”

The pair’s relationship dates back to their time together in the youth system at Ajax Cape Town, now known as Cape Town Spurs. Velebayi said Baartman’s goal therefore carried added significance and felt almost like a milestone of his own.

Saturday’s fixture will also give Chiefs another opportunity to measure their progress under new coach Fernando Da Cruz. Velebayi described the Frenchman as a manager who demands more from his players, even when they believe they have already produced their best.

“What I have picked up about coach Da Cruz is that he is a very demanding coach. Even when you feel like you are doing your best, he always wants extra.”

Chiefs will now attempt to extend their perfect start against Masandawana, with Velebayi confident that the squad knows what will be needed to claim victory at home.