Luke Baartman's agency, Siyavuma Sports Group (SSG), is delighted with the recent ruling that granted the youngster the green light to represent his new team, Kaizer Chiefs.
The teenager is among the 11 players the Glamour Boys signed in the recently concluded Premier Soccer League's winter transfer window. He, alongside Asanele Velebayi, came to Amakhosi as free agents.
However, Cape Town Spurs refused to allow the duo to leave without compensation.
They appealed to the Premier Soccer League Dispute Resolution Chamber, which held on the rules that by virtue of being demoted to the third tier, they became an amateur side, meaning all the players were free to negotiate professional terms with other teams.
They took their case to SAFA, and the association, through their arbitrator Hilton Epstein, held the initial ruling that the players are free to play for their new team, much to the relief of all associated with the affected players.
PSL rules are applicable
“As Luke's representatives at Siyavuma Sports Group (SSG), obviously, we're very happy with the arbitration award, as we've always said from day one, the rules are clear and the rules are the rules,” SSG said as quoted by KickOff.
“I think every football club at the beginning of each season signs up to the rules and regulations (of the PSL, 32 clubs, including Motsepe Foundation Championship) in order to take the grant. Last season was no different, with the relegation, the rules of the PSL are applicable.
“Our legal team has maintained from day one that the rules are the rules. So yeah, happy that Luke can finally move on with his career, and we wish him all the luck at Kaizer Chiefs,” they concluded.
Baartman and Velebayi might make their domestic debut for Chiefs on October 22nd against Siwelele in the Premier Soccer League outing. After the international break, the Soweto giants play Simba SC of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, but it might be too soon for the duo.
