In a significant development for Kaizer Chiefs, the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber has declared Luke Baartman a free agent.
This ruling clears the path for the 19-year-old forward to potentially join the Glamour Boys.
Read: Pogiso Makhoye Reflects on a Promising Start to Life in the PSL
The decision is similar to a recent verdict involving Baartman’s former teammate, Asanele Velebayi.
Just a week ago, Velebayi was also declared a free agent, and Kaizer Chiefs quickly announced his signing on a long-term contract.
With the Velebayi deal now done, the Amakhosi are expected to move swiftly to secure Baartman’s signature as well.
The Legal Battle with Cape Town Spurs
Baartman and Velebayi, along with AmaZulu FC-linked player Liam Bern, had sought to be released from their contracts with Cape Town Spurs after the club was relegated to the amateur ABC Motsepe League.
Their legal team argued that, under NSL rules, a club’s demotion to amateur status invalidates all professional player contracts. The DRC panel agreed with this argument, ruling that the contracts Spurs were relying on were no longer valid.
According to FARPost, Cape Town Spurs is challenging the decisions. The club has already filed a review application with the SAFA Arbitration Tribunal regarding the Velebayi ruling and is expected to do the same for Baartman.
In a strong statement, Spurs criticized the DRC’s rulings as “inconsistent” and a “gross, reviewable error.”
The media house went on to state that the club’s legal argument is based on the principle of pacta sunt servanda—that contracts must be honored—claiming the players’ contracts were not subject to termination by notice.
Despite Spurs’ legal efforts, the DRC’s ruling stands for now, giving Kaizer Chiefs the green light to proceed with signing Baartman.