After Cape Town Spurs' complaints about not being compensated for players declared free agents, who have been snapped up by Kaizer Chiefs, KickOff spoke to an expert on the matter.
Spurs are adamant that losing players such as Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, both signed by Chiefs, after the PSL's Dispute Resolution Chamber declared them free agents, following relegation to the ABC Motsepe League, is an injustice to football development in the country.
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"We invest heavily in developing young talent, but if clubs like ours are continually losing players without any return, it becomes impossible to sustain that model. Ultimately, it’s the next generation of footballers who will suffer.
"We need to protect development. Right now, there is no recognition or support from institutions or government. If this continues, football development will become an endangered species in our country. For those who don’t see the bigger picture — you’re on the path to killing football," continued Efstathiou, in part.
This publication spoke to a PSL administrator, who is an expert on training and development compensation, to weigh on the claims by the Urban Warriors.
“This narrative of playing the victim in the media on a daily basis by Cape Town Spurs is misleading to the footballing general public. There is a mechanism in place for all clubs in SA, through SAFA, to claim TnD (Training and Development compensation) for players they have developed from the age of 12 through to the age of 21," revealed the administrator, preferring to remain anonymous.
"Yes, it might not be the millions Spurs want, but to say they won’t get anything is not correct.
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It is understood that Spurs can claim training and development compensation from SAFA for Velebayi and Baartman, although the amount is not as substantial it would be if it were a transfer fee.