Kaizer Chiefs target Asanele Velebayi reveals future ambitions as he draws inspiration from Relebohile Mofokeng & Rushwin Dortley - 'Seeing them in Bafana Bafana makes me feel that I'm not far'

Kaizer Chiefs top target Asanele Velebayi has set his sights on leaving an indelible mark in Bafana Bafana and playing for a big PSL team having been inspired by Relebohile Mofokeng and Rushwin Dortley. 

Dortley, who became part of Kaizer Chiefs this season, and Mofokeng, who has been excelling for Orlando Pirates, have been performing exceptionally well for Hugo Broos’ squad since being called up to the national team this year.

Velebayi, who is currently plying his trade at the National First Division team Cape Town Spurs, has shared his ambitions, envisioning himself joining a top-tier club in the PSL. 

"My peers, the likes of (Rushwin) Dortley, have done well. I don’t see what will stop me from reaching those levels or surpassing them. At the moment, I’m focused on my job at Cape Town Spurs, but that does not mean I don’t think about the future," Velebayi told FARPost. 

"What I just avoid is losing focus and affecting my game. I can only pray that we emerge successful as a team. As an individual, I aim to break into Bafana Bafana. Seeing Dortley and Relebohile Mofokeng makes me feel that as youngsters, we are not far.

“I believe that is a big platform for me. We all want to rise, but it’s a process. As a player, the goal is to grow and be a Bafana player. But when interests from bigger teams come, we must be able to deal with the level of attention," he added. 

"I envy what they (Mofokeng and Dortley) are doing at club and national team, and it is something that I also hope to do."

Velebayi was a hot topic during the winter transfer window as he was close to signing with Premier Soccer League giants Chiefs after his outstanding 2023/2024 season with Cape Town Spurs.

His potential move to the Glamour Boys did not materialize after Spurs management dismissed two bids for the 21-year-old, stating they were below their valuation of the player.

Velebayi and Dortley were part of the Bafana squad in the 2024 Cosafa Cup under SA icon Helman Mkhalele five months ago in Gqeberha. The two players were teammates at the Urban Warriors before the defender left for the Naturena-based club.

Velebayi will be hoping to seal a deal with one of the prominent teams in the PSL, with Chiefs still being the favoured team to acquire his signature.

Although he plays in the first division, the Philippi-born player will strive to put in a diligent effort to impress Broos ahead of the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in March next year.