Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

SAFA Ruling Frees Velebayi and Baartman to Join Kaizer Chiefs

The arbitration turned on Cape Town Spurs losing professional status after relegation, which undercut the enforceability of the players’ contracts.

Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image

Overview

  • SAFA arbitrator Hilton Epstein issued an October 8 award declaring Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman free agents, paving the way for their immediate registration by Kaizer Chiefs.
  • The decision upholds an earlier PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber finding that the duo were not bound to Spurs following the club’s demotion out of the professional tiers.
  • Cape Town Spurs said they are disappointed but will abide by the ruling, with plans to review the award with legal counsel and assess potential compensation claims.
  • Velebayi is expected to be available for Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup trip on October 18, while Baartman remains on international duty with South Africa’s U20s in Chile.
  • Both players, unveiled by Chiefs on August 19, graduated from Spurs’ Ikamva Academy, and Spurs warn the case raises broader concerns about youth development protections.