Cape Town Spurs' young stars caught in transfer storm with Chiefs and AmaZulu

Cape Town Spurs have come out strongly to defend their position following a whirlwind of transfer drama involving some of their most promising young players, as interest from Premier Soccer League clubs grows. 

In a statement released by CEO Alexi Efstathiou, the club sought to bring clarity to a situation that has seen the futures of Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman, and Liam Bern thrown into uncertainty.

Kaizer Chiefs are said to have secured agreements to sign the highly-rated attacking duo of Velebayi and Baartman. However, Spurs, who were recently relegated from professional football to the ABC Motsepe League, have ordered the players to return for pre-season training — claiming both remain under contract.

“The club has always been, and will continue to be, open to engaging with any club genuinely interested in our players,” said Efstathiou. “However, it is imperative that all dealings are conducted with the utmost professionalism, transparency, and respect for established regulations and contractual agreements.”

The situation is complicated by Spurs’ change in status. Following their relegation, all contracted players as of July 1 have seen their contracts downgraded to amateur status. 

This means Spurs, now no longer part of the National Soccer League (NSL), fall under the rules of Safa, where, under rule 13.1, all participants are classified as amateurs. It’s believed the players in question — including Liam Bern, who has already signed for AmaZulu — have invoked these rules to terminate their contracts, citing Fifa, Safa, and NSL regulations. 

Spurs, however, have taken a hardline stance, insisting the club’s interests and the integrity of the sport must be protected.

“We are actively addressing this matter through appropriate channels and will deal with it in a professional and resolute manner,” the club stated.

Spurs’ concern goes beyond contracts. The club expressed particular worry about the young players’ well-being, suggesting they may have been misled or improperly guided in their decision-making processes.

“These are promising individuals who, despite their immense talent on the field, are still developing and may lack the experience to navigate the complexities of professional football transfers,” said Efstathiou.

Having nurtured players like Baartman and Velebayi for more than a decade at iKamva, Spurs are adamant the current situation does not reflect the values instilled in them during their formative years.

The club has also reaffirmed its responsibilities to players who remain in training.

“Our contracted players who are currently at training, fulfilling their professional obligations, will be paid accordingly,” Efstathiou confirmed. “We understand that these players have families depending on the club meeting its obligations, and we will continue to do so as we always have.”

With Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu already moving to announce or integrate these young talents, Spurs appear ready to battle — legally and administratively — to enforce their interpretation of the situation.

As the saga unfolds, Cape Town Spurs have called on all parties to act with integrity and professionalism. 

“We urge all parties to act responsibly… we will provide further updates as circumstances allow,” concluded Efstathiou.

The tug-of-war for Velebayi, Baartman, and Bern may be far from over.