Asanele Velebayi admits Chiefs-Spurs tug of war took its toll

The player was finally declared a free agent and free to join Amakhosi a few months into the current domestic season, after Spurs initially argued that he still had a binding contract with them.

While he was clear that his heart was already set on the Naturena-based outfit, he says he found himself in limbo and not sure of his future.

"I think it was a tough moment, not only for me but for my family as well. I would like to to give myself credit for staying focused, keeping fit, and staying ready, because I didn't know what was going to happen. Obviously, I wanted to join but I didn't know how things would turn out"

He says the move to Chiefs has definitely changed his life, as he’s now associated with a big brand. He says the pressure that comes with donning the famous black and gold has forced him to make certain lifestyle adjustments.

The 23-year-old also spoke of the need to stay disciplined in order to make it at the very top level of the game. He advised up-and-coming youngsters that talent without the required discipline will not get them too far.

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The next five months will be key in domestic football, with players fighting to secure spots in the Bafana Bafana squad for the World Cup. Velebayi admitted that he would love to be a part of the national team, but says his main focus is to first cement his place in the Chiefs line-up.

"It would be a great thing to represent South Africa in the World Cup, but again, we don't want to dwell too much on that. What comes first is the team.

"We know that if we do well for the team the rest will will come naturally. So, we want to focus more on the team, do well for the team and control what we can"