Exciting Cape Town Spurs winger Asanele Velebayi has revealed how Rushwin Dortley’s move to Kaizer Chiefs influenced his own development as a footballer.
Dortley was one of Kaizer Chiefs’ signings at the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season as the club looks to recapture its past glory.
The 22-year-old impressed during his extended stay at Cape Town Spurs, excelling in both the Motsepe Foundation Championship and the SA top-flight. His performances caught the eye of several clubs, including Chiefs, where he has continued to make a positive impact since joining.
Dortley, who is comfortable to play as a centre-back or left-back, has had a remarkable rise that has seen him cement his spot in Hugo Broos‘ Bafana Bafana.
How Dortley rose to stardom has had a major impact on Velebayi. The two shared the dressing room for over six years in the CT Spurs junior ranks.
WHAT ASENELE VELEBAYI SAID
Velebayi opened up to FARPost, revealing how Dortley’s move to Kaizer Chiefs positively impacted him.
Interestingly, Velebayi was on Chiefs’ radar during the latest transfer window. However, the CT Spurs and Chiefs failed to agree terms.
“That was massive. I played with him [Dortley] for about six years, and you know what it means in terms of our relationship,” Velebayi told FARPost. “We obviously had a good working relationship. And as players we pushed each other hard.
“To be honest, when he moved, I was impressed. It was awesome witnessing this. Of course, I knew that they [Kaizer Chiefs] were tracking him for some time. But to go straight into the team and be a regular is massive. For someone my age, it challenged me to push hard.
“He has also gone to Bafana Bafana. As an individual, I benefitted a lot from him. One lesson is that I have to focus on the task at hand.
“He was focused despite knowing that teams were tracking him. That is the same trajectory that I am taking, to remain focused on that CT Spurs task.
“I am not thinking about what happened during the last transfer window. Now is the best time to improve myself and probably follow Rushwin’s footsteps.”
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