Blow for Amakhosi! Cape Town Spurs move swiftly to block Asanele Velebayi from playing for Kaizer Chiefs after winger is declared free agent

Cape Town Spurs have moved to the South African Football Association (SAFA) Arbitration Tribunal to protest the ruling by the Premier Soccer League Dispute Resolution Chamber that set Asanele Velebayi as a free agent.

After a protracted legal battle that eventually saw the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber declare the winger a free agent, the relegated club has protested and now wants the SAFA body to determine the matter.

Kaizer Chiefs, after waiting for the PSL DRC's decision, which was delivered almost two months after it was first lodged, announced Velebayi as their new signing.

But the dissatisfied Spurs seem not to give up yet, since they have moved a step further seeking to overturn the rule that favoured the player and his agency.

In this context, Spurs peg their hope on what the rules state; NSL's clause 23:4:1 states that a party may launch an appeal or bring a review before the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal where the Dispute Resolution Chamber has determined a dispute.

Further, the clause says that rulings or awards of the Dispute Resolution Chamber are only subject to appeal or review before the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal.

Under the NSL clauses, parties’ fundamental procedural rights are guaranteed, including the right to be heard, the right to equal treatment, the right to examine the Dispute Resolution Chamber file, the right to have evidence taken, and the right to receive a reasoned decision.

These particular provisions of the law are what Spurs are pinning their hope on after losing at the PSL DRC.

The wait continues for the winger, as the club's move to appeal the ruling that set him free from his contractual obligations with Spurs means the legal process has not been fully exhausted.

The move by Spurs to seek a determination at the SAFA tribunal means Velebayi's contract with Amakhosi doesn't kick in as yet while the appeal is being reviewed.