The ongoing transfer saga involving Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman between Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs could soon reach a resolution, according to sources close to Amakhosi.
Insiders have indicated that a settlement is being prepared based on FIFA regulations regarding development compensation, with Chiefs reportedly ready to exceed the standard requirements to secure both players' services.
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Sources close to the situation added that FIFA rules stipulate a development compensation fee of approximately R1.5 million per player could be due, totaling R3 million for both Velebayi and Baartman. This is if Amakhosi get the legal go-ahead to sign the players.
"You know, Chiefs are willing to follow the rules and do the right thing by the book. That's why it's believed that they are expected to pay R1.5 million for each player which means R3 million for the two players. You remember the same case happened between Chiefs and TS Galaxy involving Puso Dithejane when he left Chiefs. Galaxy had to pay that development compensation fee, and that's what they could be expected to pay Spurs according to FIFA rules, " the source told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a second source indicated that Amakhosi are prepared to go beyond the minimum requirement as a gesture of goodwill toward the relegated club.
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"It's believed Chiefs are willing to pay more than the required amount by FIFA as a sign of appreciation to Spurs. It's believed they are looking at paying around R5 million for both players. You know they did the same with Sphesihle Ndlovu from SuperSport United. They paid R5 million as well, although his contract was about to run out at SuperSport United before Siwelele FC bought the club. So, as for the two players, they are willing to pay R5 million for both of them," the second insider revealed.
Chiefs have been pursuing Velebayi since last season when Cape Town Spurs were relegated from the Betway Premiership, and have subsequently added Baartman to their list of targets.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the proposed compensation amount but received no official response at the time of publishing.
With the case still in legal proceedings, Soccer Laduma also reached out to Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou for an update on the situation but received no response.
The above estimations are what Chiefs could be expected to pay, but it remains to be seen if they are cleared to go ahead with the transfers, or if the players might be ordered to stay in Cape Town.
