Spurs hint they are not done with Chiefs regarding Velebayi & Baartman – ‘Our focus is to meet legal team’

Cape Town Spurs have hinted they are considering appealing the decision made by SAFA through Advocate Hilton Epstein SC, clearing Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman to play for Kaizer Chiefs.

The Premier Soccer League's Dispute Resolution Chamber cleared the duo to join the Glamour Boys as free agents following the Urban Warriors' relegation to the third tier.

However, the team's management was unhappy with the Soweto giants signing the players without parting with a dime.

Even after Spurs lost the case, they appealed to SAFA who, again, on Wednesday, ruled in favour of the Glamour Boys. What it basically means is that Amakhosi are now free to field the two midfielders in their forthcoming competitive matches. Nevertheless, the Cape Town-based outfit are unhappy with the decision made.

Our focus is to meet the legal team on the way forward!

“For 30 years, our academy has been our proudest legacy. We have invested not just funds, but passion, time, and a philosophy into developing young players into professionals and upstanding individuals,” Club's CEO Alexi Efstathiou stated.

“The outcome of this case, while we accept it, compels us to ask a critical question – how do we continue this vital work in an environment where the fundamental contract tying a developed player to the club can be so easily dissolved by circumstances?

“Our immediate focus is to meet with our legal team to dissect this award. We need clear direction on two fronts – firstly, the immediate operational impact on our squad as we campaign in the ABC Motsepe League, and secondly, and most crucially, on any compensation that may be due to the Club for the significant investment we have made in these players’ careers.

The viability of our Academy and, indeed, the future strategic direction of Cape Town Spurs, hinges on the answers to these questions,” they concluded.