Cape Town Spurs are facing a significant player exodus as the club’s recent relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ranks of South African football has effectively made their players free agents.
Unlike the professional Betway Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship (also known as the National First Division), contracts with non-professional clubs allow players to leave at any time upon receiving their clearance.
SBN brings you five key players who are likely to seek new clubs:
Asanele Velebayi
The highly-rated attacker, Asanele Velebayi, is almost certainly on his way out. He was a subject of interest from Kaizer Chiefs at the beginning of last season, but Spurs managed to hold onto him.
To counter the transfer speculation and keep him settled, the club even went as far as handing him the captain’s armband. Now, with Spurs no longer in the professional leagues, Velebayi will be a prime target for top-tier clubs.
Luke Baartman
At just 18 years old, Luke Baartman is one of the brightest prospects from Spurs’ development system. He made a memorable senior debut by scoring against Kaizer Chiefs in the then-DStv Premiership.
Despite Spurs’ relegation from the top flight, Baartman was a shining light, netting twice in just 10 appearances. His impressive performances at such a young age make him an attractive option for professional clubs looking to invest in youth.
Liam Bern
Under the guidance of the ex-Kaizer Chiefs mentor Ernst Middendorp, Liam Bern successfully transitioned from left-back to defensive midfield, a move reportedly inspired by the coach’s observation of his personality.
Bern delivered a standout Man of the Match performance in a crucial 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the South African topflight, a result that marked the Urban Warriors’ third win of the season as they battled relegation. The 22-year-old will be hoping this kind of form has caught the eye of Betway Premiership clubs.
Azola Jakalashe
Azola Jakalashe, a 19-year-old forward from East London, joined Cape Town Spurs after spending two seasons with Stellenbosch’s Diski Challenge team, having moved from Ubuntu Academy in 2022.
Known for his blistering pace and strength, Jakalashe has been a menace to youth defenses in the Western Cape for years. While primarily a forward, he also possesses the versatility to play in midfield.
He showcased his talent at the 2023 Next Gen tournament, scoring against ATK Mohun Bagan, which will undoubtedly make him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking dynamic young talent.
Khaya Mfecane
Midfield maestro Khaya Mfecane, 23, is another player set to depart for free as he enters the final six months of his contract.
Mfecane is a product of Spurs’ development system, having been promoted in the 2019/20 season when the club was still known as Ajax Cape Town. The former South Africa junior international is also capable of playing at right-back, a role he fulfilled under coach Ernst Middendorp.
Mfecane has previously drawn interest from various clubs, but no deals materialized as the Urban Warriors’ reported asking fee of around R5 million proved to be a stumbling block. Now, with no transfer fee involved, he becomes an even more appealing option.