So, how did the trouble all start with Kaizer Chiefs?
Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou has revealed everything, from early phone calls with Kaizer Motaung Jr. to a full-blown legal saga that ended with the Spurs losing one of their brightest stars for free.
According to Efstathiou, Amakhosi offered R4 million and two players on loan for Asanele Velebayi.
KAIZER CHIEFS VS CAPE TOWN SPURS
Upon receiving the R4 million bid, Spurs weren’t impressed; they valued the 22-year-old winger at R10 million and made it clear they weren’t interested in short-term loan deals.
Talks quickly broke down, with Kaizer Motaung Jr ending all communication.
A few months later, Amakhosi swooped in again, this time signing Velebayi and his teammate Luke Baatman as free agents after Spurs’ relegation to the third tier, the ABC Motsepe League, which stripped the club of its professional status.
Feeling aggrieved, Spurs challenged the moves through the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) but lost.
They appealed to a SAFA arbitrator, Hilton Epstein, who again ruled in favour of the players and Chiefs, clearing the duo to be registered.
SPURS CONFIRM THE NUMBERS
Speaking on Metro FM, Efstathiou insisted the situation was purely business. “They came last year, yes, they did.
“We wanted R10 million for Asanele [Velebayi], and they offered R4 million. They also offered us two players on loan, but we said no. We’re not in the business of loaning players, and then they just went quiet.”
He added pointedly: “If I’m Kaizer and someone told me you can get these two players for free, what would I do? Then it’s up to Kaizer’s conscience if he wants to come and talk to us.”
“I’m surprised with Kaizer Chiefs because, as you know, last year we did a deal with Rushwin Dortley,” [reported to be worth R7 million], he said.
In the meantime, Velebayi and Baartmen are expected to make their Amakhosi debuts against AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
Also read: Qualifications and experience: New Amakhosi coaches