Velebayi praises Da Cruz’s trust as Chiefs youngsters shine

Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi says new head coach Fernando da Cruz’s faith in him and close friend Luke Baartman has given the young pair an important opportunity to establish themselves during the opening stages of the season.

The French coach has handed both players opportunities to impress, with their performances in pre-season appearing to strengthen his confidence in them as Kaizer Chiefs continue their early-season campaign.

Baartman’s first goal for Chiefs was particularly significant for Velebayi because the two players have known each other since their time together at the Ajax Cape Town youth academy.

The forward opened his account for Amakhosi in the 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United, a result which lifted Chiefs to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

For Velebayi, seeing his former youth team-mate score for the club was almost as meaningful as finding the net himself.

“Baartman getting his first goal was inspiring, for me – and also a happy and proud moment as we came together, we’ve come very far from the youth of Ajax Cape Town, so seeing Luke scoring, was almost like me scoring my first goal,” he said.

Their partnership has developed over a long period, and Velebayi regards Baartman as a close family-like figure rather than simply another player in the Chiefs squad.

“He’s like a brother to me – it was a proud moment,” Velebayi added.

The winger also explained what he believes Da Cruz values in the two emerging players, pointing to the courage they have shown while working under a coach who continues to demand improvement.

“And regards to the coach, I’d say [he likes our] bravery, what I’ve picked up from coach Fernando, he’s very demanding,” he explained.

“Even when you feel like you’ve done your best, he wants that one percent extra, so it’s one thing positive about him, he’s always demanding and wants more.”

That insistence on continued progress could be important for Velebayi as he attempts to become a more established part of the Kaizer Chiefs attack.

The winger has already offered glimpses of his ability during the early part of the campaign, while Baartman’s breakthrough goal against Sekhukhune United has provided further evidence that Da Cruz is willing to give younger players a platform.

The result also gave the pair a memorable moment in Chiefs colours. Their journey began at the Ajax Cape Town academy, and they have now reached the senior stage together at one of South Africa’s leading clubs.

For Velebayi, Baartman’s goal represented the progress they have made since those youth-team days. It was a moment of personal pride, shared achievement and confirmation that the trust placed in them by Da Cruz is beginning to produce results.

As both players continue to compete for opportunities under the French coach, their understanding and long-standing friendship could remain an important part of their development. Da Cruz’s demand for an extra one per cent has set the standard, while the performances of Velebayi and Baartman have given the coach further reason to continue backing emerging talent.