Asanele Velebayi scored his first goal for Kaizer Chiefs to secure a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Siwelele FC and send Amakhosi into the last four of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The 23-year-old winger came off the bench in the 75th minute at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last Sunday and made the decisive contribution nine minutes later.
Kaizer Chiefs controlled much of the match but were made to work for their place in the semi-finals. Mduduzi Shabalala missed a penalty before Wandile Duba converted from the spot on the stroke of half-time to bring the scores level.
With the tie still undecided, Velebayi struck in the 84th minute. A mistake in the Siwelele FC defence allowed Kaizer Chiefs striker Flavio Da Silva to regain possession in a dangerous position.
Velebayi moved into space on the right side of the penalty area, received the ball and finished calmly to complete the comeback and claim a significant personal milestone.
“It was a game of transition,” he said.
“There were a lot of turnovers in possession. In truth, we should have wrapped up the game by half-time, and we are working hard to be more clinical in front of goal.”
The former Cape Town Spurs player, who turns 24 in December, said the timing and importance of the goal made it particularly meaningful.
“Scoring my first goal means a lot, especially that it was a goal that won the match and takes us into the next round,” he said.
Velebayi also said he wanted to build on the moment by making a greater contribution during the remainder of the season.
“I aim to help the team by improving my all-round game and scoring more goals when I get the chance.”
Kaizer Chiefs will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, with a place in the Carling Knockout Cup final at stake.
The tie gives Amakhosi another chance to move closer to ending their long wait for major silverware. If they beat Mamelodi Sundowns, they will meet either Stellenbosch FC or Orlando Pirates in the final.
The dates and kick-off times for the semi-finals had not been confirmed at the time of publication, although the matches are expected to be played over the weekend of 21/22 November.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, 12 December 2026.
