Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou has responded to accusations that the club is hellbent on vilifying Asanele Velebayi for allegedly seeking a move to Kaizer Chiefs.
Spurs released a statement on Tuesday, titled: 'What the transfer window means for Spurs', after concluding transfers for Rushwin Dortley to Chiefs, Ashley Cupido and Chumani Butsaka (both to Stellenbosch FC).
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In the statement, the club commended the trio for staying the course and setting an example for youngsters at Ikamva by remaining patient and professional throughout the transfer window, until "stars aligned" for their deals to materialise.
In one particular paragraph the statement, which caught the attention and criticism on social media, the Urban Warriors stated: "Forcing the issue never works. Trying to move the process outside its natural evolution will only assist in unnecessary distractions and complications that will seldom award you with the gifts it's meant to deliver to you."
No names mentioned.
It is now public knowledge that Amakhosi have had bids rejected for Velebayi and after the 21-year-old posted the Glamour Boys on his Instagram stories over the weekend, supporters concluded on social media that the club aimed their statement at the Philippi-born winger.
"Unfortunately, you know what? Social media, every time we say something, people want to turn it into a Kaizer Chiefs thing or Asanele thing or another player thing, and it has actually [caused] a mess," Efstathiou says, speaking exclusively to KickOff.
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"Why should we aim a statement at Asanele? I personally sent messages to those three players, thanking them for their services as well, telling them that they've stayed the distance with us and, like I said in that statement, they paid back the club in giving the youngsters an opportunity. It has got nothing to do with Asanele.
"If I tell people I've got a headache, they're gonna say: 'Ah, it's because of Asanele'," insisted the chief executive.