Kaizer Chiefs pursued a move for Asanele Velebayi in the winter window but so far it’s no dice. The Sporting Director denies similarities to what happened when Man United signed Paul Pogba in 2009.
Motaung Jr denies Pogba similarities in Velebayi chase
In September, the Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr outright refuted reports that the club had directly contacted Asanele Velebayi’s parents to engineer a move for the winger. Velebayi, still only 21, was the name on everyone’s lips during the recent winter transfer window. Spurs CEO Ari Efstathiou valued the player around R12 million, while Amakhosi’s reported offer was closer to R5 million. Watch this space in January.
A famous European example of a similar controversial ‘tapping up’ situation occurred in 2009 when Man United allegedly paid Paul Pogba’s parents a significant chunk of cash to secure a move for the then-16-year-old midfielder from Le Havre. Via The Guardian:
“The controversy over Manchester United’s signing of the 16-year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba has taken a fresh twist, amid claims that the player’s parents were given €100,000 (£87,000) each, and a house, to bring him to Old Trafford.”
Nabi is at the wheel and enjoying it
Chiefs are certainly more of an entertaining watch so far this season compared to 2023-2024. All three of their matches this season have featured goals at both ends, although Nabi will want his side to start picking up clean sheets. There will be teething issues with an almost entirely brand-new defensive unit, but Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross have impressed and settled quickly. 22-year-old Dortley in particular should go to the top of South African football. This guy is a serious gem.
The real test will be whether they can regroup and return to winning ways against SuperSport on October 26th after a controversial defeat to Sundowns.
Next three in the Betway Premiership
Amakhosi, meanwhile, have three weeks to wait until their next Betway Premiership fixture. They’ve started this campaign in decent fashion, with two wins from three, and a recent defeat to Sundowns. Their goal, of course, will be to compete for next season’s MTN8 at a minimum. Here are their next few fixtures:
- SuperSport United – Saturday, October 26, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 17:30
- Magesi FC – Wednesday, October 30, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 19:30
- Royal AM – Sunday, November 9 – FNB Stadium, 17:30
Will Chiefs make another move for Velebayi in January?
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