By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber has officially declared former Cape Town Spurs player Asanele Velebayi a free agent, paving way for him to join Kaizer Chiefs.
Spurs were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of last season. Chiefs moved swiftly to sign Velebayi and Luke Baartman, believing they could get them for free.
Spurs took the matter to a PSL DC arguing that they were entitled to a transfer fee for Velebayi, Baartman and Liam Bern, who was signed by AmaZulu.
The PSL DC ruled in favour of the player in terms of clause 43.1.7 with regards to the evidence laid from both parties.
“The Applicant is declared a free agent,” it ruled.
Spurs are now likely to take the case further to the South African Football Association.
Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motang has opened up on the issue, saying we are taking a very professional approach in terms of integrating players into the team. We’ll make sure that we only make announcements when the time is right.
“There’s just a process and that process will be followed and once that process is done we’ll make an announcement.”
Velebayi and Baartman were rising stars when Spurs were in the Premier Soccer League during the 2023/24 season before being relegated.