Kaizer Chiefs have found themselves in a predicament with regards to an attempt to sign a promising young duo.
Chiefs are believed to have agreed terms with Cape Town Spurs duo Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman but with complications.
Chiefs trying to sign Velebayi and Baartman
The two players were part of the Spurs side that suffered a double relegation in the past two seasons. Both Velebayi and Baartman were seen as promising youngsters and assets to the club after tasting topflight football. Despite attracting a lot of interest upon the first relegation of the Urban Warriors, the duo went down with them to the NFD. Now Chiefs have opportunistically pounced on them.
Chiefs were also embroiled in a transfer saga with Spurs for Velebayi in the close season transfer window. The player was reportedly desperate to join Amakhosi last season with the club making several bids. In the end, the Urban Warriors held their ground, demanding R10 million for his services. With the side being relegated to the amateur ranks, under NSL rules, both he and Baartman should be free agents.
Spurs fighting the deal
As Chiefs looked to take advantage of that rule, Spurs have threatened legal. This if Velebayi and Baartman end up joining the Glamour Boys while still having what they feel is a valid contract with them. In fact, the Cape Town side have ordered the duo to report for training.
But according to the NSL ruling, Velebayi and Baartman are legally free agents. Even if Spurs were to acquire a professional status, they would not be allowed to change that. This means it is advantage Chiefs.
But do they have a case?
“Rule 4.3.1.4, in the NSL handbook states; a player may apply to the dispute resolution chamber (DRC) to be declared a free agent in the event of the member club ceasing to exist as a member club falling under the jurisdiction of the league.The NSL rules also state the entity which is the current club and its members current directors cannot within 12 months buy another franchise, which is likely the attempt of the club with keep hold of their key players. Should a potential status purchase transpire – this new entity – under new new directors – would contractually have no hold on the current players.” iDiski Times states.
Confident Khosi fans?
Chiefs fans are you now optimistic that your club will legally win the battle to sign Velebayi and Baartman? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
