Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou is unhappy with how Kaizer Chiefs have conducted business with the Mother City outfit.
Chiefs lured over 19-year-old Luke Baartman and 22-year-old Asanale Velebayi as their winter rebuild takes shape.
Two of Cape Town Spurs’ finest prospects join Kaizer Chiefs, and the Mother City side receives no compensation.
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Spurs boss concerned by Kaizer Chiefs antics
According to Goal, Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou is disgusted by how Kaizer Chiefs have been able to seal the signatures of their two biggest prospects, Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman. Chiefs won their case with the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber and pay zero compensation for the talented pair who became free agents after Spurs’ relegation to the NFD. Efstathiou acknowledges that the players have a right to pursue new opportunities, but feels that this incident could set a dangerous precedent for the wider South African footballing ecosystem.
“This isn’t about bitterness, it’s about sustainability,” Efstathiou explained via Cape Town Spurs’ official website.
“We invest heavily in developing young talent, but if clubs like ours are continually losing players without any return, it becomes impossible to sustain that model. Ultimately, it’s the next generation of footballers who will suffer. There has to be a fair balance,” he continued.
“If development clubs aren’t rewarded for the work they do, many will shut their doors. That means fewer pathways for young players and weaker foundations for South African football as a whole.
“We need to protect development. Right now, there is no recognition or support from institutions or the government. If this continues, football development will become an endangered species in our country. For those who don’t see the bigger picture — you’re on the path to killing football,” he concluded.
When is Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns?
Kaizer Chiefs start with a perfect record
Meanwhile, Chiefs have started the campaign perfectly with three wins from three league outings against Stellenbosch, Polokwane and Richards Bay, teeing them up nicely for a clash with Sundowns. Here’s how their XI could look with Etiosa Ighodaro leading the line.
Petersen; Monyane, Miguel, McCarthy, Cross; Mthethwa, Cele; Lilepo, Ndlovu, Duba; Ighodaro.
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Does Alexi Efstathiou have a point?
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