Breaking: Spurs cave as Reece Braithwaite cleared for Pirates switch 


This brings an end to weeks of uncertainty and the threat of a looming legal battle with Cape Town Spurs.

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The defender’s move had stalled amid Spurs’ insistence that Braithwaite remained under contract, despite the club’s relegation to the ABC Motsepe League last May.

Their drop into amateur football triggered a National Soccer League provision which states that players in that division cannot be held to professional agreements — a clause several Spurs players have since relied on to secure moves elsewhere.

Braithwaite, like captain Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman, Liam Bern and Mervin Boji, acted on this entitlement by pursuing a switch.

Spotted at Orlando Stadium two months ago during a Carling Knockout fixture between Pirates and Magesi FC — where he appeared among the ball-boys — Braithwaite’s presence fuelled further speculation that a deal was close.

He had been training with the DStv Diski Challenge side while awaiting formal clearance, however, Spurs were believed to have resisted multiple requests from Braithwaite and his family to release him, prompting the teenager to appoint an attorney.

An ultimatum was then issued: furnish the clearance or prepare for another showdown at the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, which many expected would again rule in favour of the player given past precedent.

SABC Sport now understands that Spurs have elected not to contest the matter further and have officially issued Braithwaite’s clearance.

The left back - widely regarded as a natural long-term successor to veteran Deon Hotto - is now free to complete his move to the Soweto giants.