PSL DRC Ask More Docs On Spurs/Chiefs And AmaZulu Dispute

Sportswire can confirm that the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has requested additional documents from all parties involved in the cases of Cape Town Spurs with regards to Asanele Velebhayi, Luke Baartman, and Lian Bern versus Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu.

This means a decision might take longer than expected, as the Mother City club is fighting to avoid losing these players for free to Chiefs and Usuthu.

According to the NSL Rulebook, once a club is relegated to the SAFA-governed ABC Motsepe Regional League, it is no longer considered part of the professional scope, and its players are typically declared free agents.

Velebhayi and Baartman are now with Chiefs, who claim they are free agents, while AmaZulu has signed Bern.

AmaZulu released a statement on Tuesday confirming they would not hold a press conference to unveil new kits and player signings on Wednesday, but now it is next week, which might have pushed the unveiling.

However, Spurs are contesting the notion that these players should leave for free, arguing that it’s unfair since the players are still under contract, and relegation doesn’t automatically nullify those agreements.

The PSL DRC has been deliberating on the matter for several days without a decision. On Tuesday, Sportswire learned there was no sitting at the DRC because further documents were requested. Spurs are also prepared to submit more documents to the PSL DRC to protect their rights.

“No, there was no sitting on Tuesday,” a source told Sportswire. “They asked to submit further documents from their side, and they were given two days to do that. Once we have sight of the submission, we may need to put in our own. No further clarity.”

Spurs were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of last season, leading to widespread speculation about the club’s future. However, Spurs’ leadership provided an immediate and principled response. “Our word is our bond,” stated CEO Alexi Efstathiou.

“These players signed agreements in good faith. Their families budgeted based on those commitments. Relegation doesn’t erase responsibility – it tests character.”

While whispers suggested star talents Velebayi (22) and Baartman (18), along with Bern, had signed elsewhere as “free agents,” Spurs took a different approach. They didn’t threaten or vilify; they reaffirmed their commitment. “We told every contracted player: Show up, train, honor your commitment, and we will honor ours – every salary, every benefit, on time. No excuses,” the club told Sportswire.

Spurs added that their stance isn’t about trapping talent but about upholding a system of fairness that protects everyone. When Velebayi, Baartman, and Bern attempted to leave without transfer negotiations, Spurs were compelled to defend their rights at the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

According to Spurs, 14 contracted players are currently training with the club. Efstathiou commented, “They believe in this club. Allowing others to walk away free undermines their loyalty and sacrifices. Fairness isn’t selective.”

Yet, Spurs’ door remains open. Efstathiou emphasized, “We’ve never stood in a player’s way. If there is interest from clubs for any of our players, we will listen.”

Spurs value Velebayi, a dynamic winger, at close to R10 million. Baartman, a highly-rated teenage prodigy courted by some European clubs, also represents a significant investment. The club added, “We are not demanding ransom; we are asking for recognition of that investment through civilized negotiation.”

“Cape Town Spurs aren’t just fighting relegation,” the club concluded. “They’re fighting for the soul of South African football – one honored contract, one on-time salary, one act of principled care at a time.”