Cape Town Spurs React to NSL Ruling on Asanele Velebayi

Cape Town Spurs have issued a strong response to the National Soccer League (NSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber ruling that declared Asanele Velebayi a free agent. The decision comes after the club’s relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.

The ruling, confirmed on Monday, has allowed the 22-year-old winger to leave the club despite having a valid contract. Spurs say the move will damage football development in South Africa.

In their statement, the club called the decision a “legal and logical catastrophe” that undermines contractual law and threatens the sustainability of youth academies. They warned it could discourage clubs from investing in developing young players.

The case centred on whether relegation changes the terms of a player’s employment enough to allow them to walk away from their contracts. Velebayi, along with teammates Liam Bern and Luke Baartman, argued that it did. Spurs maintained that the legal principle of pacta sunt servanda should stand, meaning a signed contract remains binding regardless of league status.

Spurs highlighted that developing a single academy player over ten years costs at least R8 million. This figure includes coaching, facilities, travel, education, and welfare. Training compensation fees cover less than 5% of that investment. The club stressed that their model relies on keeping players under their first professional contract long enough to secure transfer fees that fund future development.

CEO Alexi Efstathiou said the club respects contractual agreements and expects the same from players. He confirmed Spurs will consult with their legal team to explore arbitration or appeal.

The outcome may also influence the pending cases involving Baartman and Bern, which are yet to be finalised.

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