Cape Town Spurs vow to fight for compensation from Kaizer Chiefs despite recent SAFA ruling on Asanele Velebayi & Luke Baartman - 'We have invested not just funds, but passion, time, & philosophy in developing them'

Kaizer Chiefs chased the services of Asanele Velebayi for the last two seasons to strengthen their attack.

However, the Urban Warriors were reluctant to let their star player leave below their valuation.

Even after their relegation to the second tier, Spurs wanted Amakhosi to cough more.  

At the end of the 2024/25 season, the Cape Town outfit had already been relegated to the third tier, which, according to the rules, rendered their players free agents since it is an amateur league.

Chiefs capitalised on the situation to sign Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman to further strengthen their squad.

However, Spurs appealed to SAFA, hoping to be compensated for the resources they used to develop the players.

Nevertheless, the initial ruling was upheld, meaning the duo is free to make a competitive debut for the Soweto giants.

Spurs, through their CEO Alexi Efstathiou, have vowed to continue seeking compensation.  

“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,” Spurs said in a statement signed by Efstathiou.

“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," Efstathiou concluded.  

Amakhosi fans can now hope to see the two players make their long-awaited debut for the club.

However, for Spurs, the management should consider taking a humble pie because, from the look of things, the odds are against them to win the compensation case owing to the presence of the recent rules.