Kaizer Chiefs Announce Long-Term Deal with Velebayi
Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the acquisition of 22-year-old winger Asanele Velebayi, bringing the young Cape Town talent into their squad on a long-term deal.
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation, with Chiefs confirming that Velebayi has joined the club as a free agent, following a ruling by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) earlier this week.
Kaizer Chiefs Free Transfer Opportunity
Velebayi’s move to Amakhosi comes on the back of his release by Cape Town Spurs. Previously, the PSL side had placed a transfer fee of R12 million on the winger ahead of the 2024/25 season. However, following Spurs’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Chiefs saw an opportunity to bring in the youngster without incurring a transfer fee.
The DRC’s ruling, which declared Velebayi a free agent, sparked controversy, particularly from Cape Town Spurs, who labelled the decision a “legal and logical catastrophe”. In their statement, the club criticised the ruling for undermining contractual law and threatening the sustainability of investing in young talent.
Chiefs Welcome a Key Addition
In a club statement, Chiefs expressed their excitement at finally securing Velebayi’s signature. “We are delighted to announce the signing of Asanele Velebayi,” the statement read.
Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. added that the winger represents an ideal addition to the team. “He is a fantastic player who fits perfectly into our game model and club culture,” Motaung said. “We believe Asanele will bring significant value to our squad.”
Long-Standing Interest Comes to Fruition
Chiefs’ interest in Velebayi dates back to before the current PSL season began. Despite the hefty price tag placed by Cape Town Spurs, the relegation of the club opened the door for Amakhosi to pursue the player under free-agent terms.
The signing marks a strategic move for Chiefs as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of a crucial run in the Betway Premiership. Velebayi’s pace and skill on the wing are expected to bolster the club’s attacking options, providing manager Arthur Zwane with additional firepower.
Legal Controversy Surrounds the Transfer
Cape Town Spurs have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling, describing it as a blow to youth development. “While on the surface it seems like a win for player freedom, it undermines long-term investment in young talent and threatens to make such investments unsustainable,” a statement from the club read.
It remains unclear whether Spurs will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, Velebayi is free to feature for Chiefs, with the club’s next match set against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium in the Betway Premiership.
Amakhosi Eye Further Reinforcements
Beyond Velebayi, Chiefs are reportedly looking to sign former Cape Town Spurs striker Luke Baartman. Like Velebayi, Baartman’s situation is pending a resolution, with the club hoping to capitalise on opportunities created by Spurs’ relegation.
As Chiefs continue to finalise their squad for the season, the addition of Velebayi represents a significant step in reinforcing their attacking options and maintaining their competitive edge in the league. Fans will be keen to see how the young winger integrates into the team and whether his arrival can spark a strong run of performances for Amakhosi in the coming fixtures.
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