Kaizer Chiefs fans hoping to see fresh faces on the pitch for the start of the 2025–26 Betway Premiership are in for a letdown.
Two of their new signings, Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, won’t be suiting up just yet—and it’s not because of fitness issues or injuries.
Instead, it’s a messy contract dispute that’s still stuck in football’s legal pipeline.
A Deal Signed… Then Suddenly Challenged
Chiefs believed they had wrapped up the Velebayi deal and were ready to start integrating him into their squad.
But shortly after the announcement, Cape Town Spurs stepped in to contest the move, throwing the entire agreement into question.
According to Spurs, both Velebayi and Baartman are still under contract with them—despite the fact that Spurs were relegated to the amateur-level ABC Motsepe League.
The Amateur League Twist
Here’s where things get complicated. The ABC Motsepe League is technically amateur, which means contracts aren’t always as ironclad as they are in the pro ranks.
In most cases, player deals in that division run season to season, with no long-term binding agreements.
That’s why Chiefs thought the players were free to move—but Spurs argue otherwise.
The Dispute Heads to the PSL’s Resolution Chamber
Right now, the whole situation is sitting with the PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).
Both clubs have presented their evidence, and the chamber is going through it all, piece by piece.
While Chiefs are eager to finalize the signings and officially register the players, they’re forced to sit and wait until a decision is made.
Meanwhile, Velebayi and Baartman Are Left in the Cold
Caught in the middle of this tug-of-war are the players themselves.
Velebayi and Baartman haven’t returned to training with Spurs, nor have they joined Chiefs for pre-season activities.
Instead, they’ve been training alone—essentially in limbo—while the legal process drags on.
Spurs Want Their Players Back
Cape Town Spurs aren’t backing down. They firmly believe the two players should still be reporting to Ikamva, their training ground, and say neither of them had any right to walk away.
Until the DRC reaches a verdict, there’s no resolution in sight—and both clubs are stuck.
What’s Next for Amakhosi?
So where does this leave Kaizer Chiefs? Well, in the short term, without two of their intended new recruits.
And if the DRC takes longer to rule, that wait could stretch into the regular season.
Whether the club will win this tug-of-war remains to be seen—but they’re clearly playing the waiting game for now.
Fans Left Wondering: Will Justice Be Swift or Slow?
With the season already underway and fans eager for updates, frustration is building.
Everyone—from the clubs to the players and supporters—wants this sorted.
Will Amakhosi eventually come out on top and get their players registered? Or will Spurs succeed in pulling them back to Ikamva?
Time—and the PSL DRC—will tell.