Kaizer Chiefs intensify bid for Cape Town Spurs star as his family push for transfer, according to SABC Sport.
Asanele Velebayi’s family is stepping up efforts to secure his transfer to Chiefs before the transfer window closes. Chiefs have engaged in talks with Spurs to bring the 21-year-old winger into coach Nasreddine Nabi’s squad. Despite an initial bid from Chiefs this week, Spurs rejected the offer, prompting Velebayi’s family to request a meeting with the club to expedite the transfer.
Cape Town Spurs turned down Kaizer Chiefs’ bid, which the Soweto Giants believed matched the player’s value. Frustrated by the situation, Velebayi’s family is now actively seeking to facilitate his move to Chiefs, which they view as a dream opportunity for the young player. Spurs’ relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship has further fueled Velebayi’s desire to move, especially given his recent Bafana Bafana call-up for the COSAFA Cup.
Dortley’s transfer: Precedent set for Velebayi
Kaizer Chiefs previously managed to secure defender Rushwin Dortley from Cape Town Spurs, a transfer that also saw family intervention. Dortley’s parents had to engage in discussions to finalise the deal after Spurs haggled over the fee. This precedent suggests that Velebayi’s family might also successfully influence the outcome of his transfer.
Chumani Butsaka, another Cape Town Spurs player, has involved his family in his transfer negotiations, similar to Velebayi’s situation. The South African sources reveal that Butsaka is allegedly boycotting training sessions in protest, adding to the tension at the club. The situation escalated to a heated altercation between Spurs management and Butsaka’s family, leading to threats and confrontation. Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou reportedly locked himself in his office during the commotion.
Secret source quotes
“So the sale of Dortley is causing some problems at Cape Town Spurs. It seems that Chu chu(Butsaka) and Asa(Velebayi) are considering boycotting training sessions. In fact, Butsaka is reportedly already boycotting, and there’s a lot of tension surrounding the situation,” source told The South African.
“There are reports of a heated altercation between Cape Town Spurs’ management and Chumani Butsaka’s family, who had demanded a meeting. According to the source, the situation escalated to the point where Butsaka’s mother was allegedly insulted, and threats of violence were made, causing Alexi Efstathiou to lock himself in his office to ensure his safety.
“It’s said that Butsaka’s entire family arrived at iKamva. During this incident, Ray Pienaar, Butsaka’s agent, and three members of Chumani’s family reportedly met with Alexi in his office. Allegedly, the meeting involved significant shouting and commotion from inside the office.”
Chiefs’ persistence and Spurs’ youth development
Kaizer Chiefs remain determined to secure Velebayi’s transfer, despite the ongoing negotiations and family involvement. The player has made it clear to Cape Town Spurs that he wishes to leave, with his mother expected to reinforce this position. Cape Town Spurs, known for developing top talent from their youth academy, faces a dilemma as Velebayi’s family pushes for a move that aligns with the player’s career aspirations.
With the Premier Soccer League transfer window closing on 20 September, Chiefs and Velebayi’s family are working against the clock to finalise the move. Chiefs’ commitment to acquiring Velebayi remains strong, and family pressure may turn the tide in their favour.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as Kaizer Chiefs intensify efforts for Asanele Velebayi and whether they will secure their target before the deadline with The South African.
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