Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi has welcomed the faith shown in him and close friend Luke Baartman by new head coach Fernando da Cruz during the early stages of the season.
The young duo have been given opportunities to impress under the French coach, with their work during pre-season seemingly earning them greater trust as Chiefs continue their early-season campaign.
Velebayi and Baartman share a history stretching back to their days at the Ajax Cape Town youth academy, making Baartman’s first goal for Kaizer Chiefs an especially meaningful moment for the winger.
Baartman opened his Chiefs account in the victory over Sekhukhune United, helping Amakhosi secure a 2-0 win that moved them to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
For Velebayi, watching his former youth teammate finally find the back of the net for Chiefs was almost as significant as scoring himself.
“Baartman getting his first goal was inspiring, for me – and also a happy and proud moment as we came together, we’ve come very far from the youth of Ajax Cape Town, so seeing Luke scoring, was almost like me scoring my first goal,” he said.
The relationship between the two players has developed over many years, with Velebayi describing Baartman as more than simply a teammate.
“He’s like a brother to me – it was a proud moment,” Velebayi added. “And regards to the coach, I’d say [he likes our] bravery, what I’ve picked up from coach Fernando, he’s very demanding,” he explained.
“Even when you feel like you’ve done your best, he wants that one percent extra, so it’s one thing positive about him, he’s always demanding and wants more.”
That mentality could prove crucial for Velebayi as he looks to establish himself as an important part of the Chiefs attack under Da Cruz.
The winger has already shown glimpses of his ability, while Baartman’s breakthrough goal against Sekhukhune provides further evidence that the coach is prepared to give emerging talent a platform.