Cape Town Spurs fight to keep Kaizer Chiefs targets Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman

The Soweto giants are believed to have struck agreements with the two highly rated youngsters, whose names have long been linked with top-flight transfers, iDiski Times reported.

But Spurs, recently relegated to the third-tier ABC Motsepe League, are now pushing back - insisting the players are still contractually bound to the club.

This emerging dispute has also affected Liam Bern, who is reportedly set to join AmaZulu, but now finds himself in a similar state of limbo.

The root of the standoff lies in the administrative implications of Spurs' relegation. As of 1 July, their status within the National Soccer League (NSL) ceased to exist, meaning all existing player contracts effectively reverted to amateur status.

According to SAFA regulations and NSL Rule 13.1, players involved in SAFA competitions are considered amateurs unless otherwise contracted.

The legal framework appears to favour the players. Under NSL Rule 4.3.1.4, any player whose club no longer exists under NSL jurisdiction can apply to the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) to be declared a free agent - a clause that may ultimately work in Chiefs' favour.

Further complicating matters is another NSL clause, which states that a club entity - along with its directors - cannot acquire a new franchise for 12 months following relegation.

That rule effectively prevents Spurs from manipulating their amateur status to block player exits or reform under a new professional identity while retaining current players.

For now, Velebayi and Baartman are in limbo. Both were expected to be unveiled by Chiefs this week, but the unresolved status dispute has delayed the official confirmation.

Spurs have instructed them to return for pre-season training, despite growing belief that the players have legally terminated their contracts based on the club's current amateur status.