The Soweto giants have been accused of player tapping by the recently relegated club
Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou has hit out at Kaizer Chiefs for trying to tap highly rated winger Asanele Velebayi.
Velebayi has been the subject of interest from Chiefs, who are looking to strengthen their attack, and made a bid for the player which was rejected.
The frustrated player then had to bring in his parents to try and talk to the club to allow him move to the Soweto giants but the club has been adamant that he will only leave at the right price.
The intrigues have left Spurs disappointed and Efstathiou feels the Glamour Boys are the ones behind the move to use Velebayi’s parents to push for the transfer yet they do not want to meet his valuation.
Did Chiefs tap Velebayi from Spurs?
“Yes, an offer was indeed made and it was turned down; these tactics and tricks clubs and agents use don't work with Cape Town Spurs. They are the oldest strategy in the book,” Efstathiou told KickOff.
“If you want to keep by the rules, you don't contact players directly, that is the first thing. A club like Chiefs should not be contacting any players directly. The club's got a contract with the player. He has still got three more years.
“It has always been like that, maybe now the rules have changed. We do have a good relationship with Chiefs; I am not fighting with Chiefs.
“He is a versatile player, so must we sell him for whatever just because the player and his mommy decide he wants to move? Is this a joke?
Efstathiou emphasised that the bone of contention is the price while confirming the club will let the player seal his dream move if Chiefs meet their valuation.
Nabi is crying out for more signings
“The bottom line is, we will not stand in the player's way. It is not the club, it is the offer that is standing in Velebayi's way,” added Efstathiou.
Chiefs, who already signed defender Rushwin Dortley from Spurs, are looking to add some creativity to the team with new coach Nasreddine Nabi desperate for reinforcements before the season starts.
Besides Dortley, Amakhosi have also brought in attacker Gaston Sirino, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari and defender Bongani Sam but Nabi feels that is still not enough, hence the need for a creative player as well as a striker before the transfer window closes.
