Cape Town Spurs slammed for delaying progress of Kaizer Chiefs' new signing as fight over the winger continues – 'Allow him to go and provide for his family'

Footballers Union of South Africa's [FUSA] Calvin Motloung has slammed Cape Town Spurs for trying to prevent Asanele Velebayi from playing for Kaizer Chiefs.

Spurs are yet to give up the fight to retain their captain, who was recently declared a free agent and signed by Amakhosi.

Motloung has said Spurs' move to overturn the ruling that declared the winger a free agent is detrimental to the player's career.

"What Spurs are doing is detrimental to Velebayi's career," Motloung said, as quoted by KickOff.

"This situation has already delayed his progress, as he should have been doing his pre-season training with the new club by now. The coach should have had the opportunity to assess him and integrate him into the team’s system," he added.

"Instead, he has to start over, working on his fitness while the coach evaluates how he will fit into the team. This delay is significant for him."

Motloung agreed with the SL Dispute Resolution Chamber ruling that said Velebayi became a free agent after Spurs were relegated to the amateur league.

"As a professional player, Velebayi has already received his salary for last month, as he was not attached to any club at that time. Given that he has signed a contract, he is now a Kaizer Chiefs player and is eligible to play whenever the coach decides to include him," he explained.

"Clubs are often more concerned with their own interests. Now that Spurs have been relegated, they want to obstruct a player's career," he added.

"We all understand that once a team is relegated from the professional ranks to amateur status, the player automatically becomes a free agent. The player should be allowed to join whichever club he wishes."

"This situation is unjust and can negatively impact players’ careers, as it affects them mentally. You cannot justify keeping a player from progressing by citing investments.

"Allow him to go and provide for his family."

After the PSL Resolution Chamber ruled in favour of the 22-year-old, Chiefs swiftly moved to sign him.

But dissatisfied Spurs escalated the issue and moved to the South African Football Association's (SAFA) Arbitration Tribunal, where they want the PSL DRC ruling annulled.

The Soweto giants and their new signing will wait longer until the SAFA Arbitration pronounces itself on the matter.