Speedy winger Asanele Velebayi’s first goal in Gold & Black came at a handy moment for the Club, as it proved the decisive strike in Amakhosi’s 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal at the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane last Sunday.

Chiefs dominated the majority of the contest but needed to come from a goal down to book their berth in the last four. Wandile Duba equalised with a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Mduduzi Shabalala had missed an earlier spot-kick.

“It was a game of transition,” Velebayi recalls. “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 skilful forward, who turns 24 in December, was introduced in the 75^th minute to make a positive impact, and he duly obliged nine minutes later when a horrendous Siwelele defensive error gifted possession to Chiefs striker Flavio Da Silva in a dangerous area. Immediately recognising the opportunity, Velebayi moved into space on the right side of the penalty area, received a pass from his teammate, and drilled it into the net with a composed finish to give Amakhosi the victory they deserved on the night.

“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 says, adding, “I aim to help the team by improving my all-round game and scoring more goals when I get the chance.”

Amakhosi will now face off against Mamelodi Sundowns in just over a week’s time for the opportunity to meet Stellenbosch FC or Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup Final.