Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Esftathiou has sent a stern warning to Kaizer Chiefs, who are in pursuit of star player Asanele Velebayi.
Amakhosi have reportedly shown interest in signing Velebayi, but the negotiations with CT Spurs have stalled as both parties are not agreeing on a transfer fee.
The Soweto giants are on a mission to rebuild after a dismal previous campaign that saw them finish a disappointing 10th on the league table. The club is desperate to break their nine-year trophy drought and are looking to strengthen their squad in all positions.
A prolonged slump in form has forced Chiefs into a coaching overhaul, with Tunisian tactician Nasreddine Nabi appointed as the new head coach ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The club is pinning its hopes on Nabi to restore their former glory. The former Yanga SC tactician takes the reins from interim coach Cavin Johnson, who stepped in following the short-lived tenure of Molefi Ntseki, who was dismissed just three months into the job.
Meanwhile, Chiefs have already concluded the signing of Rushwin Dortley, Bongani Sam, Gaston Sirino, and Fiacre Ntwari. Miguel Inacio is also set to join the club, as revealed by this publication.
Despite successfully striking a deal with CT Spurs for Dortley, Chiefs have found it difficult to seal Velebayi, who is believed to be keen on a move to Gauteng.
According to SABC Sport, the parents of the 21-year-old midfielder Velebayi have stepped in to try to convince CT Spurs to accept the Chiefs’ offer.
WHAT DID ALEXI ESFTATHIOU SAY ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS’ INTEREST IN VELEBAYI?
With the new season edging closer, Alexi Esftathiou says Velebayi is a diamond that will not come cheap for the Naturena-based side. The CT Spurs leader indicated that the club will not be bullied into relinquishing their prized asset.
“We priced him [Velebayi] fairly. We did tell them what is it that we are looking for like we do with any other party, and they came back with another offer where you either agree or disagree, and I think that’s where we are,” Esftathiou said on Metro FM.
“So what they are offering isn’t close to what we are asking for, and I don’t want to accuse anyone of anything. But when we’re having club-to-club conversations, we need to keep that confidential. Somehow, this information seems to be leaking out, and I don’t know where it’s coming out.
“We know our business model and developing a player through the ranks for 10 years is not a cheap business; Asanele Velebayi has played 99 games at the age of 21. We believe he is a diamond, if people can’t afford the diamond then they shouldn’t buy it.”
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