He Works A Lot – Fernando Da Cruz Drops Major Bombshell On Chiefs Hero After Sensational Winner

Da Cruz Sends Powerful Message About Velebayi After Kaizer Chiefs Hero Delivers Carling Knockout Semi-Final Qualification

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has expressed his delight with Asanele Velebayi following the winger’s decisive contribution in Amakhosi’s 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Velebayi came off the bench to score a crucial late winner at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, securing Chiefs’ place in the semi-finals and keeping their hopes of lifting silverware alive.

The 23-year-old, who has not enjoyed many minutes on the pitch this season, made the most of his opportunity after being introduced in the 75th minute. His impact proved decisive, with his 84th-minute strike completing Chiefs’ comeback after they had fallen behind early in the encounter.

Speaking after the match, Da Cruz highlighted the winger’s commitment during training and emphasised the importance of making an immediate contribution whenever an opportunity presents itself.

“I’m very happy for Velebayi, because he works a lot at training,” the Chiefs coach told SuperSport TV.

“He didn’t get a lot of minutes for the moment but most important is when you come in to help the team and today he offered us the qualification.”

His comments underline the value Da Cruz places on squad depth, discipline and players who can change the outcome of a match despite limited playing opportunities.

Chiefs had to work hard for their victory after Siwelele stunned the Soweto giants with an 11th-minute goal from Siyabonga Ndebele, who headed home from a corner.

Amakhosi initially struggled to find an equaliser, with Mduduzi Shabalala missing a penalty before Wandile Duba eventually restored parity from the spot in first-half stoppage time.

The second half saw Chiefs increase their attacking pressure, but it was the introduction of Velebayi and Flavio Da Silva that ultimately helped turn the contest in their favour.

Da Cruz also explained that Duba’s substitution was necessary because the striker had experienced cramp after featuring heavily in recent matches.

With qualification secured, Kaizer Chiefs will now turn their attention to a challenging Carling Knockout semi-final showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns.

For Velebayi, the winning goal could represent an important turning point in his Chiefs career, providing a timely reminder that opportunities can arrive unexpectedly and that making them count is what matters most.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2119507507961909530?a=RjRR6PHufBnnNCbwo9o&s=19

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