Asanele Velebayi’s transfer drama with Kaizer Chiefs sparks a huge debate, as per Soccer Laduma.
Former Spurs ( then Ajax Cape Town) player Mkhanyiseli Siwahla, known as “Makalegs”, faced a similar situation in 2010, shared candid advice about the pitfalls of ignoring club guidance, highlighting how crucial it is for young players to navigate these moments wisely.
Why Spurs said no to Kaizer Chiefs
Spurs’ rejection of Kaizer Chiefs’ offer for Velebayi wasn’t just about money—it was about principle. The club, known for nurturing young talent, values their investment in player development. Velebayi seemingly added fuel to the fire by posting a Chiefs-related image on his Instagram story, leading fans to wonder if he was pushing for the move.
While the club refrained from directly accusing Velebayi of misconduct, they issued a statement emphasizing their philosophy:
“Through this understanding, the unwritten law is that they must produce the pathway for the next generation of youth players. This is not only in a financial sense, but also for them to be an example to those coming behind them,” Spurs said.
The message was clear, player development is a two-way street, and loyalty to the club’s goals matters.
Siwahla: Lessons from a career misstep
Siwahla’s personal experience sheds light on the stakes involved in such situations. Reflecting on his own career, he admitted that his refusal to follow his club’s advice ultimately derailed his dreams.
“The thing that I think I did wrong is not to follow the rules of the game,” Siwahla shared. “When the team grooms you, you need to follow the rules of the team because they groomed you. Obviously, they want their investment back.”
Siwahla revealed that he resisted a move to Orlando Pirates because he had his sights set on replacing Jabu Pule at Kaizer Chiefs. His defiance cost him dearly.
“That’s the biggest mistake that killed my career. I wanted to go to Chiefs, but they said I should go to Pirates… I felt like whatever Jabu Pule did, I was going to do more.”
The unwritten law of Cape Town Spurs
Spurs has a long-standing “unwritten law” that underscores the symbiotic relationship between the club and its players. The club invests heavily in molding young talent, and in return, they expect players to honor that effort by creating opportunities for the next generation.
Spurs’ statement during the last transfer window highlighted this ethos:
“They all understand that the club’s purpose, and theirs, converge at the point of transfer. At this point of convergence, the ‘mission accomplished’ signs can go up for both parties.”
The philosophy is about more than just financial returns, it’s about creating role models for future players while ensuring the club continues to thrive.
What young stars should learn from Velebayi and Siwahla
Velebayi’s case and Siwahla’s reflections serve as cautionary tales for rising soccer stars. Success in the sport is not just about talent; it’s about making strategic decisions and respecting the frameworks that shaped their careers.
Aspiring players should remember:
Clubs invest time, effort, and resources into their development.
Disregarding club guidance for personal ambitions can backfire.
Building bridges with clubs ensures long-term success.
As the transfer market heats up, these lessons remain more relevant than ever. For young talents like Velebayi, navigating these challenges with maturity and foresight could mean the difference between fleeting fame and a legendary career.
