Latest news with #Baartman
The South African
2 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs caught in contract tug-of-war
Kaizer Chiefs' pre-season has taken a dramatic twist as Cape Town Spurs dig in their heels over the controversial signings of Asanele Velebhayi and Luke Baartman. While Amakhosi remain adamant the duo arrived as free agents, Spurs argue otherwise, triggering a contractual standoff that could shape transfer dealings across South African football. The Premier Soccer League's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has delayed its ruling in the high-profile battle involving Cape Town Spurs, Kaizer Chiefs, and AmaZulu. The DRC has now requested further documentation from all parties relating to the contested transfers of Velebhayi, Baartman, and Liam Bern, who recently joined Usuthu. This development means the final decision may take longer than expected, prolonging the uncertainty over the players' status. Following Spurs' relegation to the SAFA-governed ABC Motsepe Regional League, Chiefs swiftly secured the signatures of Velebhayi and Baartman. According to Kaizer Chiefs, the pair became free agents once Spurs dropped out of the professional tiers. AmaZulu, meanwhile, signed Liam Bern under similar assumptions. But Spurs aren't buying it. The Mother City club insists these players remain under valid contracts, regardless of relegation. Their firm stance has forced the PSL to intervene. 'Our word is our bond,' declared Cape Town Spurs 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.' With rumours swirling about Amakhosi's acquisition of the players without transfer fees, Efstathiou stood firm. 'They believe in this club. Allowing others to walk away free undermines their loyalty and sacrifices. Fairness isn't selective.' Tuesday's expected DRC sitting did not take place. Instead, the PSL requested additional submissions. 'No, there was no sitting on Tuesday,' a source confirmed. '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 remain committed to honouring their side of the contract. 'We told every contracted player: Show up, train, honour your commitment, and we will honour ours, every salary, every benefit, on time. No excuses,' the club emphasised. The club revealed that 14 contracted players are still training under their banner. But while the battle continues, Spurs have made it clear they are not looking to block transfers unfairly. 'We've never stood in a player's way. If there is interest from clubs for any of our players, we will listen,' said Efstathiou. However, the club has placed clear value on its assets. Velebhayi, a dangerous winger, is reportedly valued at R10 million. Baartman, an 18-year-old prodigy chased by European sides, represents another critical investment. 'We are not demanding ransom; we are asking for recognition of that investment through civilised negotiation.' Kaizer Chiefs may have believed they followed the rulebook, but Spurs have turned this into a matter of principle. The outcome could set a defining precedent for relegated clubs and the future of player mobility in South African football. 'Cape Town Spurs aren't just fighting relegation,' the club concluded. 'They're fighting for the soul of South African football, one honoured contract, one on-time salary, one act of principled care at a time.' Who are you backing, Kaizer Chiefs or Spurs? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
04-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
REVEALED: Why Kaizer Chiefs can win battle for CT Spurs duo!
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. 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. 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. '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 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. 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@ 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.
Eyewitness News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
WC Finance MEC says education and health are budget priorities over next 3 years
CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Finance MEC Deidre Baartman said most of the province's budget would be spent on education and health over the next three years. On Tuesday, Baartman retabled the province's spending plans for the next three financial years, following the withdrawal of the national budget in March. The MEC said the province would spend R215.8 billion on the social services sector over the next three years. This includes R101 billion for education, R100 billion for health, and just over R6 billion for housing.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape Finance MEC ensures stability with R89. 3 billion budget despite national challenges
Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman delivers the 2025 Budget Speech in the Provincial Parliament. Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman re-tabled the province's R89.3 billion Appropriations Bill after the national government unexpectedly withdrew its budget, including the legally binding Division of Revenue Bill. Addressing the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Baartman clarified that although the process had to be repeated for legal compliance, 'nothing in substance in the Western Cape Appropriations Bill has changed.' The 2025/26 Western Cape Budget still allocates a total of R269.5 billion over the next three years, with more than 80%, or R215.8 billion, dedicated to social services. This includes R101 billion for education, R100 billion for health, R6.4 billion for housing, and R8.4 billion for social protection.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape Finance Minister re-tables R89. 3 billion Appropriations Bill as national budget faces uncertain future
Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman delivers the 2025 Budget Speech in the Provincial Parliament. Image: Supplied Western Cape Finance Minister Deidré Baartman re-tabled the province's R89.3 billion Appropriations Bill after the national government unexpectedly withdrew its budget, including the legally binding Division of Revenue Bill. Addressing the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Baartman clarified that although the process had to be repeated for legal compliance, 'nothing in substance in the Western Cape Appropriations Bill has changed.' The 2025/26 Western Cape Budget still allocates a total of R269.5 billion over the next three years, with more than 80%, or R215.8 billion, dedicated to social services. This includes R101 billion for education, R100 billion for health, R6.4 billion for housing, and R8.4 billion for social protection. In terms of strategic spending, the province is staying the course on its four apex priorities: R43.8 billion to 'Growth for Jobs,' R3.9 billion to safety, R194.9 billion to build an 'Educated, Healthy and Caring Society,' and R23.4 billion to innovation, culture, and governance. 'In light of this,' said Baartman, 'the doors of the Western Cape Government have, and will continue to, remain open.' Despite the chaos at a national level, Baartman assured residents that essential services would remain intact, crediting this stability to provincial fiscal discipline. 'Despite the uncertain fiscal environment, the Western Cape Government can assure this house that we have kept strict protocols in place on cash flow management in the province to ensure service delivery continues uninterrupted,' said Baartman. She also acknowledged the tireless work of officials during this turbulent period. '2025 has really seen us exercise our legal and procedural muscles within the uncertain fiscal space nationally, and I would like to thank the Provincial Treasury team as well as the Legal team in the Department of the Premier for their assistance and guidance throughout this process.' Looking ahead, Baartman expressed hope for a smoother national budget process next year. 'For certainty, fiscal stability and trust, it is my sincere hope that the national budget process for 2026 will flow more effortlessly.' IOL News
