Velebayi: These Are Tough Times For Us
Kaizer Chiefs attacker Asanele Velebayi admitted that the team is going through a difficult period, saying it has been painful to see the club struggling to find its best form.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Velebayi acknowledged that Chiefs are currently not performing at the level expected of them.
Co-coach Cedric Kaze echoed similar sentiments after Chiefs lost to Richards Bay last week, admitting the team is going through a difficult spell following a fourth consecutive defeat.
Chiefs are currently sixth on the Betway Premiership table with 30 points from 18 matches. However, they have lost their last four matches in all competitions.
Among those defeats was a painful exit from the CAF Confederation Cup against Al Masry SC, where a draw would have been enough to secure qualification to the knockout stages.
Chiefs also suffered defeats to Stellenbosch FC, rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby, and most recently Richards Bay.
They will have an opportunity to end their losing streak when they host fourth-placed Durban City FC at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Velebayi, who joined Chiefs after a lengthy transfer dispute with Cape Town Spurs, admitted he has not yet reached his best form but believes the upcoming match presents an opportunity for the team to redeem themselves.
“We know we are not at our best right now. We know that in the past four games we have lost all of them,” said Velebayi.
“In terms of preparation, we are ready. We have another game on Sunday that everyone is looking forward to. As players, we see it as a chance to redeem ourselves.”
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Chiefs edged Durban City 1-0 in October when Flavio Silva scored a late winner two minutes before full time at Moses Mabhida Stadium. At the time, City were coached by Gavin Hunt.
The club is now under the guidance of Pitso Dladla, who remains unbeaten in six matches across all competitions in two spells as caretaker coach.
Chiefs’ recent struggles have frustrated supporters, with fans staging a march to the club’s headquarters last week, calling for the dismissal of co-coaches Kaze and Ben Youssef.
Although the protest remained peaceful, supporters made it clear that the team’s recent run of results is unacceptable.
Velebayi admitted the players understand the frustration felt by the supporters.
“For the fans, we know we have not been in a good space mentally,” he said.
“From our side, we know it is not nice and we understand the frustrations. But I want them to know that we are all in this together. The good thing is that there is a game coming up on Sunday, and we are looking forward to making them happy again.”
