The transfer that didn’t happen
Asanele Velebayi to Kaizer Chiefs, the transfer that didn’t happen explained by former Cape Town Spurs winger Tabiso Mpame.
Mpame shared his insights on the recent failed move of Asanele Velebayi to Kaizer Chiefs. As the PSL transfer window closed on September 20, 2024, Velebayi remained with Spurs despite high hopes for his transfer to the Soweto giants.
Negotiations stalled between Cape Town Spurs and Kaizer Chiefs, primarily due to a significant gap in valuation. Spurs turned down an offer of R5 million and two players with performance related add-ons from Amakhosi, because they wanted something in the region of R10 million instead for their “diamond”, as exclusively reported by The South African.
Spurs chairman Alexi Efstathiou expressed his disappointment, stating that Chiefs’ offers fell well below Velebayi’s true worth. Efstathiou highlighted the club’s investment in Velebayi’s development, emphasising his exceptional talent as a right-winger.
Last season, Velebayi impressed with 24 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. However, his efforts couldn’t prevent Cape Town Spurs from being relegated back to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after just one season in the top flight.
Mpame’s Advice: Staying Strong amid setbacks
In an interview, Mpame addressed the emotional toll of the situation on Velebayi. He noted as quoted by FARPost. “Well, you know when you are a breadwinner, and you are young, and you have been having a tough time in your career… such an opportunity comes to you, it seems like now everything is just shattered.” Despite the disappointment, Mpame praised Velebayi’s resilience: “He is a strong boy with a prepared mind… Obviously, it will affect his mental health, but he is a very strong boy.”
Mpame encouraged Velebayi to focus on his current situation. “I told him that, ‘Boy, when God wants it to happen, it is going to happen. But now, focus on where you are.’” He stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and continuing to perform well on the field.
The road ahead: Persistence is key
Mpame emphasised Velebayi’s dedication to training, saying. “The boy is doing very well; he is managing, working very hard, and doing extra training.” He remains optimistic about Velebayi’s future, comparing him to Chumani Butsaka, who recently signed with Stellenbosch FC after overcoming similar challenges.
“You know, I think it’s a very disturbing situation, but as long as you are strong enough… those things are examples for these young players,” Mpame noted. He reminded young athletes of the importance of professionalism and loyalty, stating. “The main factor I always tell them is to have a job and a salary to feed your family.”
As Asanele Velebayi navigates this challenging period, his experience serves as a crucial lesson for young players in the PSL. The importance of resilience, focus, and professionalism cannot be overstated. With guidance from seasoned players like Mpame, Velebayi has the potential to emerge stronger and seize future opportunities
Stay tuned with The South African for more updates as Asanele Velebayi to Kaizer Chiefs transfer is explained.
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