Former Cape Town Spurs coach Nathan Paulse has revealed what Kaizer Chiefs will get from new signings Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman, having worked closely with both young players.
The long-running legal tug-of-war between CT Spurs, Velebayi and Baartman is officially over, with Amakhosi coming out on top.
SAFA arbitrator Hilton Epstein ruled that both players are free agents, ending months of uncertainty and clearing the way for their official registration. The decision upholds the earlier PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) finding, which Cape Town Spurs had unsuccessfully appealed after their relegation to the SAFA ABC Motsepe League stripped them of professional status.
For Chiefs, it’s a huge relief. Both players had already been unveiled at FNB Stadium back in August alongside Etiosa Ighodaro, and now they can finally feature in gold and black.
With the legal dust settled, former Spurs striker and development coach Nathan Paulse spoke to FARPost to share his thoughts, tipping Chiefs’ new boys Velebayi and Baartman to make their mark, if fans give them time to settle.
“I have worked with both Asanele [Velebayi] and Luke Baartman at Cape Town Spurs,” said Paulse.
PAULSE GIVES INSIDE SCOOP ON CHIEFS’ NEW DUO: VELEBAYI AND BAARTMAN
“Look what Chiefs fans can expect from Asa is a player who has a number of years’ experience now playing as a pro [made his debut at 17], especially in the NFD, and one season when Spurs were in the Betway Premiership.
“He is an exciting player, he is a player who is good with the ball at his feet, especially running towards goal. He can shoot very well with both feet.
“If given time to settle in the environment, the culture of playing for a big team like Kaizer Chiefs, that will be the major factor for him. If fans allow him to settle in. He is a quiet young man, a youngster of few words. He will have to learn how to play week in, week out for such a big team.”
Paulse was equally optimistic about Baartman’s potential.
“In terms of Boere [Baartman], I watched him grow through the ranks at Ikamva. Similarly to Asa, he will need time to adapt to the demands of playing for a big club like Chiefs.
“But an exciting and intelligent player. He knows how to use space. His mind is very quick. Since he is not a massive centre forward, using time and space became his strength.
“So it will be very interesting to see how both of them integrate and fit into Chiefs, especially in a Chiefs that is working on returning to the top of SA football. Building on last season’s cup success and having had a good start this season.
“I am excited for them. As long as they stay humble, put their heads down and focus on what they need to do. After all, they are still young players learning their craft — young in the sense of being professionals.”
PAULSE’S CURRENT WORK SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION
Today, Paulse works as an individual transformational coach, helping players transition from youth football to the professional level. He also leads the professional development portfolio at Hout Bay United FC in the ABC Motsepe League, while heading the club’s academy department, overseeing talent pathways and coach growth.
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