The contractual impasse involving Kaizer Chiefs’ newly acquired forwards, Asenele Velebayi and Luke Baartman has officially been resolved, with the South African Football Association ruling in favour of Amakhosi.
Safa arbitrator Hilton Epstein SC, on behalf of the Association’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), ruled that the two players are indeed free agents, affirming their eligibility to represent Chiefs with immediate effect.
Velebayi and Baartman, both formerly on the books of Cape Town Spurs, were signed by Chiefs following Spurs’ relegation from the National First Division to the Motsepe Championship – a move that, under Safa regulations, renders all squad members free agents.
Despite this provision, Spurs challenged the transfers, insisting that the players remained contractually bound to the club and referred the matter to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The PSL’s DRC initially ruled in favour of the players. However, Spurs sought further recourse by escalating the matter to Safa.
Safa has now upheld the PSL ruling, confirming that Velebayi and Baartman are no longer contractually tied to Spurs and may play for Chiefs.
The dynamic duo, who enjoyed a strong on-field rapport during their time at Spurs, are expected to integrate seamlessly into Chiefs’ setup, having already been involved in training sessions since their arrival in August.
They are among several exciting new signings poised to make their debuts for the Soweto giants, alongside Ethan Chislett, Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga – all of whom the Chiefs faithful are eagerly anticipating seeing in action.