CAPE TOWN – Cape Town Spurs have issued an official statement on Wednesday following the arbitration award delivered by South African Football Association (SAFA) arbitrator Advocate Hilton Epstein SC regarding the eligibility and status of players Luke Baartman and Asenele Velebayi.
The ruling handed down has cleared Velebayi and Baartman to be officially registered as Kaizer Chiefs players.
The Cape based side said it respect the arbitration process and will abide by the decision.
Spurs adds it will now take the necessary time to thoroughly review the detailed award with their legal counsel to understand its full implications for the club, their remaining players, and long-term strategy.
Full Statement from the Club’s CEO, Alexi Efstathiou:
“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. 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.
“We thank our supporters, partners, and the wider football community for their understanding and continued support during this period of transition.”
