Relief at last for Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. After weeks of legal back-and-forth, SAFA arbitrator Hilton Epstein has finally ruled, and the decision favours Amakhosi.
Epstein has declared Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman free agents, allowing the duo to be registered and used by Kaizer Chiefs in competitive matches.
The ruling ends months of uncertainty for the two youngsters, who had been caught in a tug-of-war between the Phefeni Glamour Boys and their former club, Cape Town Spurs.
ASANELE VELEBAYI AND LUKE BAARTMAN TO MAKE DEBUTS FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
Two months ago, the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) had already declared the duo free agents, but Spurs appealed the ruling, arguing that their contracts should still stand. Epstein has now upheld the DRC’s interpretation, closing the case for good and siding with the players.
Epstein ruled in favour of the duo following Spurs’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League, a demotion that stripped the Urban Warriors of their professional status.
MORE ABOUT THE TWO YOUNGSTERS
Both players had already been unveiled by Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on 19 August, alongside Nigerian forward Etiosa Ighodaro. The 22-year-old Velebayi, a left winger from Philippi, Cape Town, and Baartman, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder from Elsies River, are no strangers to the Betway Premiership.
Velebayi featured 23 times for Spurs in the 2023/24 season, scoring once and assisting once, while Baartman, who battled injury, managed 12 appearances and two goals before Spurs’ relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Both are products of Spurs’ renowned Ikamva Academy, having joined as 12-year-olds.
Velebayi is known for his fast, tight dribbling, killer turns and ability to shoot with both feet. He has already played over 100 senior matches since debuting at just 17 in the MFC.
Baartman, on the other hand, is a clever and direct No.10, a natural scorer with both feet and surprisingly great heading quality despite his height, as shown here against AmaZulu. Many Amakhosi fans first noticed him when he scored against Itumeleng Khune at FNB Stadium.
With the ruling settled, Velebayi is expected to travel with Kaizer Chiefs for their CAF Confederation Cup clash against AS Simba on 18 October, while Baartman is currently in Chile, representing South Africa’s U20 team at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
