Chiefs stalwart: Shabalala and Velebayi panicked
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Chiefs stalwart: Shabalala and Velebayi panicked
Oct 26, 2026 – 09:56 pm
By Sipho Mlotha
Kaizer Chiefs legend Zebulon Nhlapo has explained why Mduduzi Shabalala and Asanele Velebayi were unable to convert their chances in the CAF Confederation Cup match against Red Arrows.
Missed opportunities from Shabalala and Velebayi proved costly for Chiefs, who failed to secure a place in the Confederation Cup group stage.
The side defeated Zambia’s Red Arrows 1-0 in regulation time at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, levelling the tie at 1-1 on aggregate. However, the two young attackers missed three clear opportunities late in the second half that could have settled the match. The clash instead went to a penalty shootout, where Fernando da Cruz’s men were eliminated 3-2.
Although football is a team sport, attention is likely to focus on Shabalala and Velebayi, whose lack of composure in front of goal contributed to the Soweto giants’ exit. The events of the final 15 minutes will likely remain a difficult memory for both players.
In the 79th minute, Vilakazi made an incisive run through the opposition defence and squared the ball across the goalmouth. Shabalala was left with an open goal and the goalkeeper out of position, but he leaned back and sent his shot over the crossbar.
A few minutes later, substitute Ethan Chislett created another opportunity, sending the creative midfielder through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. With time to choose a corner, he shot directly at goalkeeper Charles Kalumba.
The missed chances continued. In the 86th minute, Chislett set up fellow substitute Velebayi inside the penalty area. With no defender immediately challenging him, he sent his shot high into the stands.
“The players will gain experience. What let them down on Friday was panic. They do not have much confidence at the moment. The supporters should give them a chance and allow them to make mistakes,” says Nhlapo, reviewing the match with KickOff.
“Football is difficult when you lose the support of your own supporters. You can end up overthinking. Penalties are like a lottery, so it is not too bad. You cannot blame someone for missing a penalty because it is not intentional. It was not our day.
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“Given the chances we wasted, we should have finished the match in 90 minutes. In football, you may get only one opportunity to score, so you have to take your chances. Let us encourage the players to correct their mistakes in their next match, especially with the Soweto Derby approaching. They rushed their shots once they entered the box. They need to take their time and pick a spot.
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