With Cape Town Spurs now officially in the ABC Motsepe League, the Siya crew has been reliably informed that the club is understood to be withholding the clearances of several of its standout players.
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The Western Cape-based side has transitioned into amateur status following their relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. In an effort to challenge their demotion, Spurs have lodged various complaints to the Premier Soccer League regarding the alleged ineligibility of opposition players from Durban City, Kruger United and Pretoria Callies.
For now, the club operates as a semi-professional outfit, competing in a league governed by the South African Football Association (SAFA), rather than the PSL. Under SAFA regulations, this change in status means all contracted players at Spurs are technically free agents and allowed to sign with clubs of their choice.
According to Rule 43.1.4 of the National Soccer League Handbook:
A player may apply to the Dispute Resolution Chamber to be declared a free agent in the event of his Member Club ceasing to exist as a Member Club falling under the jurisdiction of the League.
Soccer Laduma understands that Spurs players were expected to report for pre-season training on Tuesday. However, several key players — including Luke Baartman, are believed to have not reported for duty.
Indications are that some players have already requested their clearances to facilitate moves elsewhere, but sources have revealed that the club has so far refused to release them, potentially stalling pending transfers.
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Soccer Laduma has since contacted Cape Town Spurs, who have provided an official comment on the matter.
"At present, the club is navigating sensitive legal proceedings. Due to the confidential and ongoing nature of these issues, we are unable to divulge specific information or engage with unsubstantiated claims. Cape Town Spurs FC operates with strict adherence to due process and regulatory compliance, and we take any allegations of misconduct seriously," the club stated.
*Ed's note: This story has been updated.
