Cape Town Spurs have set the record straight as they have been thrust into the spotlight due to swirling rumours linking their star players, Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, with Betway Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs.
On top of these two players, Lian Bern is at AmaZulu, and Spurs are asking Usuthu to do the honourable, to pay the fee for the player to go, saying it is not right that since the club is relegated to amateur, their contracts are null and void.
Media reports have sparked intense debate, with some “falsely” claiming the players are free to leave following Spurs’ relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.
This narrative has unfairly cast Spurs as obstructing the ambitions of their 22-year-old captain, Velebayi, and 18-year-old prodigy, Baartman.
In response, Spurs are calling for clarity and professionalism, urging Chiefs to approach any interest in the players through proper channels and with fair compensation.
According to the club, the speculation has been fueled by misconceptions that relegation renders the players’ contracts void, prompting suggestions that Chiefs could sign them without a transfer fee.
This has led to unwarranted criticism of Spurs, with some social media voices accusing the club of holding back Velebayi, a dynamic winger, and Baartman, a precocious attacking midfielder, from pursuing their dreams.
However, Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou has firmly dismissed such claims, emphasising the club’s commitment to fairness and their expectation that a club of Chiefs’ stature would act with integrity.
“I’m genuinely surprised by the speculation that a club like Kaizer Chiefs would approach our players behind our back if they are truly interested,” Efstathiou commented to Sportswire.
“Chiefs are a massive brand with a proud legacy in South African football. We trust they would not stoop to such tactics to acquire talent. These are not players to be seen as bargains; they are quality assets, and we believe Chiefs will act in good faith by engaging us directly to negotiate a fair transfer fee.”
Spurs’ stance is rooted in their legacy as one of South Africa’s premier talent factories. Over the past decade, their Ikamva academy has produced stars like Rushwin Dortley, who joined Chiefs at the start of last season, alongside others who have shone in the Betway Premiership.
Spurs added that Velebayi and Baartman are the latest gems, with the former valued at around R10 million and the latter drawing interest for his remarkable potential. Spurs continued that they have a history of facilitating transfers when approached respectfully, as seen in past dealings with Chiefs. However, the club is resolute in protecting its rights, with both players under valid contracts until at least June 2026.
The notion that the Spurs are obstructing their players’ careers is a misstep. Efstathiou reiterated, “We’ve always supported our players’ ambitions, but we also deserve fair reward for the years of investment in their development. Kaizer Chiefs, as a club of immense reputation, surely understands the value of these players and the importance of ethical conduct in transfers. We’re confident they’ll approach us in the right manner to discuss a deal that works for everyone.”
As a Dispute Resolution Chamber hearing to clarify the players’ contractual status is at 5:00 on Monday, Spurs are placing the onus on Chiefs to uphold their reputation. The Soweto giants, under coach Nasreddine Nabi, have already bolstered their squad with five signings this window, signaling ambition for the 2025/2026 season.
Adding Velebayi and Baartman could elevate their campaign, but any attempt to bypass proper negotiations risks tarnishing Chiefs’ standing as a beacon of professionalism in South African football.
The CEO added that: “Cape Town Spurs are not the aggressors here; they are a club seeking respect and recognition for their tireless work in nurturing talent. The pressure now falls on Kaizer Chiefs to demonstrate their commitment to fair play by engaging Spurs directly and agreeing to a transfer fee that reflects the true value of these sought-after players. Anything less would be unbecoming of a club with such a storied legacy.”
On Bern, who is set to be unveiled on Wednesday by AmaZulu, the CEO said they don’t have his DRC date because it involves a different club, and he can’t comment about it now.