‘I am a bit nervous’: Chiefs star Asanele Velebayi

Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi has offered a candid insight into his emotional state ahead of the Glamour Boys’ CAF Confederation Cup Group D opener against Al Masry this Sunday at Suez Stadium.

Velebayi, who is part of the squad that travelled to North Africa, is set to face one of the biggest tests of his young career as Chiefs aim for a positive start to the demanding group stage campaign.

The match holds particular significance for the 22-year-old, whose only previous appearance for Amakhosi—and first taste of continental football—came as a substitute during the preliminary round victory over AS Simba.

Now facing the rigours of the group stage, the former Cape Town Spurs star opened up about his feelings regarding the high-stakes encounter in Egypt.

‘Nervous’Asanele Velebayi Banking on Experience

Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!

🏆#TotalEnergiesCAFCC
⚽️Al Masry SC vs. Kaizer Chiefs
👕First Team
📅Sunday 23 November 2025
🏟️Suez Stadium, Egypt
🕕18h00 SAST
📺SABC – S3 & SuperSport 209#Amakhosi4Life #KCOneAfrica #KCOneFamily pic.twitter.com/iRK1S778Ys

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 22, 2025

“Obviously, it’s a big moment for me, it’s my first time travelling in Africa, to Egypt,” Velebayi admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of the task at hand. “I know it’s going to be a difficult one, but I’m looking forward to it.”

In a refreshingly honest admission for a player entering such a demanding competition, Velebayi revealed his apprehension but credited his seasoned teammates for providing crucial support.

“Obviously, for me I’ll be honest, I’m a bit nervous,” he confessed. “But with the guys in the team who are experienced like [Itumeleng] Bvuma and all the guys who have played in Africa before have been helping me closely. I trust them.”

Al Masry Likened to Al Ahly By Asanele Velebayi

The Chiefs winger went on to underline the quality of their Egyptian rivals, revealing that the team has spent the week studying their opponents’ strengths.

“We have watched them [Al Masry], they are a top team. To be honest, I think they are on the same level as Al Ahly,” Asanele Velebayi stated, drawing a bold comparison to the record-African champions. “You know Al Ahly are a top team, so it is going to be difficult. We have watched the videos the whole week, we have been preparing, and we know it is going to be difficult.”

Despite the challenge, Velebayi stressed the team’s primary objective for the away leg: securing points while maintaining a clean sheet.

“For us, the first thing is not to concede. Obviously, we are going for the three points, but not conceding will put us in a better place. So, the main thing for us is to win, but we don’t want to concede as well.”

The Confederation Cup clash against Al Masry kicks off on Sunday at Suez Stadium at 18:00 (SAST).