Velebayi urges calm as Kaizer Chiefs prepare for Mamelodi Sundowns challenge

Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi says his side must combine confidence with discipline when they face African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.

The match at FNB Stadium comes at an important moment for Kaizer Chiefs, who moved to the top of the table after beating Sekhukhune United in midweek. That result has given Amakhosi early momentum, but Velebayi knows they will face a much more demanding test against a Mamelodi Sundowns team regarded as the best side on the continent.

The fixture is scheduled to begin at 15h00 on Saturday afternoon, with a large crowd expected at FNB Stadium for one of the most anticipated games of the campaign.

Velebayi believes the positive start can provide Kaizer Chiefs with belief as they prepare for the reigning African champions. However, he also recognises that confidence must be matched by the correct attitude throughout the contest.

“For me, coming from a decent pre-season I would say – continuing to look forward and looking forward to build from [the start we’ve had],” he said.

The winger said the progress made during pre-season and the early results of the new campaign had created a strong platform for the team. Kaizer Chiefs will now attempt to carry that form into a fixture that is likely to demand greater concentration and consistency in every area of the pitch.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ status as African champions makes the encounter one of the sternest domestic challenges available to Kaizer Chiefs. Velebayi expects the match to be physically and mentally demanding, but said his team would not lack belief after their victory over Sekhukhune United.

“We’re playing against the African champions so it’s going to be rough, but we have confidence from our last game,” Velebayi said.

“The confidence is high; the mentality is right because we know what is required.”

Kaizer Chiefs will need to cope with the intensity of Mamelodi Sundowns while ensuring the occasion does not disrupt their plans. For Velebayi, composure will be central to that effort, particularly in front of a packed home stadium and during the difficult periods that are expected to arise during the match.

He urged his team-mates to remain committed to their instructions rather than allowing the scale of the fixture to influence their decision-making.

“The pressure is there, we need to stay calm throughout the game, stick to the game plan, put the team first and approach the game with the right mentality,” he added.

The meeting gives Kaizer Chiefs an opportunity to measure their early-season progress against the reigning African champions. Their midweek success has placed them at the summit, but Mamelodi Sundowns will provide a considerably stronger examination of whether Amakhosi can maintain that position.

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