‘Disaster for development’ - CT Spurs CEO on Chiefs case defeat

The Urban Warriors learned their fate on Wednesday when SAFA arbitrator Hilton Epstein dismissed their appeal to overturn a PSL DRC decision that gave Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman that status following the club’s relegation to the amateur ranks.

Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube, Efstathiou expressed concern that the outcome could discourage clubs from investing, developing, and nurturing young talent.

"We have to accept the ruling; however, there are areas within the ruling that will cause further issues in the not-too-distant future.

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Efstathiou added that Spurs had no regrets after turning down an offer of R4-million, plus two players, from Chiefs for Velebayi last year.

The Spurs boss argued that Velebayi and Baartman were clearly influenced by their agents to walk away from their Ikamva contracts.

"A player that has a contract and earns good money, takes a chance by not coming to training, hoping that he is free to find a new club.

"If he did not have the assurance that he has another job lined up, I don't think that player would have taken that risk."

Spurs are awaiting another hearing now on Liam Bern, the midfielder who also moved on by joining AmaZulu on a free transfer.

Efstathiou revealed Usuthu had always been eyeing the 22-year-old.