Velebayi earns Da Cruz praise after sending Chiefs into Carling Knockout semi-finals

Asanele Velebayi came off the bench to score the goal that sent Kaizer Chiefs into the Carling Knockout semi-finals, earning special praise from head coach Fernando da Cruz after their 2-1 comeback victory over Siwelele FC on Sunday night.

Chiefs fell behind but recovered to secure their place in the last four. Da Cruz felt his side had shown enough in the first half to be ahead at the interval, despite failing to convert their opportunities.

“The most important it’s the qualification, we made a very good first half, normally we deserve to be in front in terms of a goal at halftime, but we didn’t do it,” Da Cruz told SuperSport TV.

The coach said Chiefs then made a strong start to the second half before losing some momentum late in the match.

“In the second half, we made 20 good first minutes and we dropped a little bit, we scored and we finished the game afraid, but the most important thing is the qualification,” he added.

Velebayi’s decisive contribution was his first goal for Chiefs since joining the club. Although he has had limited playing time, Da Cruz said the forward had continued to work hard in training and had made an important impact when called upon.

“I’m very happy for Velebayi because he worked a lot at training,” said Da Cruz.

“He didn’t get a lot of minutes for the moment but the most important, it’s when he comes in to help the team and to support the team and today, he offered us the qualification.”

The result keeps Chiefs’ cup campaign alive and confirms their place in the semi-final draw, where they will be joined by the other remaining contenders.