No Compensation! ‘You’re on the path to killing football’ – Cape Town Spurs boss slams system after Asanele Velebayi & Luke Baartman’s Kaizer Chiefs switch

Kaizer Chiefs secured the signatures of Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, unveiling the players a week apart after both won their respective cases at the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.  

Declared free agents, the duo were free to join the club of their choice. However, Cape Town Spurs’ boss Alexi Efstathiou has been outspoken about the situation, recognising the players’ right to pursue opportunities at bigger clubs while cautioning that unchecked departures without fair compensation could have a damaging effect on the wider South African football ecosystem.  

“This isn’t about bitterness, it’s about sustainability,” Efstathiou explained via Cape Town Spurs’ official website.

“We invest heavily in developing young talent, but if clubs like ours are continually losing players without any return, it becomes impossible to sustain that model. Ultimately, it’s the next generation of footballers who will suffer. There has to be a fair balance,” he continued. 

“If development clubs aren’t rewarded for the work they do, many will shut their doors. That means fewer pathways for young players and weaker foundations for South African football as a whole. 

“We need to protect development. Right now, there is no recognition or support from institutions or government. If this continues, football development will become an endangered species in our country. For those who don’t see the bigger picture — you’re on the path to killing football,” he concluded.

According to the latest reports and statements from Efstathiou, Cape Town Spurs are lodging an appeal with the South African Football Association against the ruling that declared their former players free agents.  

Soccer Laduma reported that Spurs will pay a R30,000 fee to have an arbitrator review the case, as they aim to block the Amajita star Baartman’s move to Chiefs. 

While Spurs pursue their appeal, Velebayi and Baartman will be focused on settling into their new club and earning their spots in coach Nasreddine Nabi’s lineup. 

Amakhosi, riding the wave of three consecutive Premier Soccer League victories, will look to extend their momentum when they face defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, 27 August.