Exclusive Interview with Alexi Efstathiou: On Development, Compensation, and the Future of South African Football

by Brian Lee

Wednesday Aug 20, 2025. 16:50

Cape Town Spurs, a club long lauded for its commitment to nurturing young talent, finds itself at the epicentre of a legal and ethical storm that threatens to reshape the landscape of South African football development.

Recent declarations of free agency for some of its promising players, coupled with ongoing legal battles, have brought to light the precarious position of development clubs and ignited a crucial debate about the financial sustainability and equitable treatment within the sport’s ecosystem.

This article delves into the heart of the matter, exploring the cases, the club’s fight for its future, and the broader implications for player development in the nation.

Interviewer (BL): Mr. Efstathiou, a lot has been said about Cape Town Spurs losing talented players without receiving any financial return. Let’s be blunt — are you saying that Spurs have not received a cent for these players, either as a transfer fee, training compensation, or solidarity payments?

Alexi Efstathiou (AE): That’s correct. No financial transactions have taken place between the clubs. Until we believe we have a fair and legal claim to compensation that reflects the value of these players, we won’t stop pushing. But let me also make this point clear — when players move under these conditions, the receiving clubs have no investment in them. That often means one or two bad games and the players get benched, sometimes permanently. For young players, that’s a dangerous situation because development takes a back seat to results.

BL: Critics might say that Spurs are simply bitter about losing players and that this comes across as sour grapes. How do you respond to that kind of criticism?

AE: Look, I understand why some people might think that way, but it’s not about bitterness. It’s about survival. Development costs money. If we can’t sustain our model because we’re constantly losing players without compensation, then the entire development system collapses. And if that happens, South African football as a whole suffers, not just Cape Town Spurs.

BL: But surely, players also have a right to chase opportunities at bigger clubs, even abroad, without being weighed down by disputes over fees. Isn’t there a danger that your stance could be seen as holding players back?

AE: Players absolutely have that right, and we don’t want to stand in their way. But there’s a balance that needs to be struck. If clubs that invest years into these players receive nothing, those clubs will stop producing talent. Ultimately, it’s the players of the future who will suffer. What we’re calling for is a fair system that allows both the player and the club to benefit.

BL: Some would argue that if Spurs’ development was as strong as you claim, then big clubs would be willing to pay. Could it be that Spurs are overvaluing their contribution?

AE: That’s a fair question, but I can tell you we know our numbers. We know what we spend, we know what it takes to produce professional-level talent. This isn’t about inflated valuations — it’s about sustainability. And if things continue the way they are, yes, we would eventually have to shut our doors. That’s the reality.

BL: Finally, can you give us a closing statement — what’s your broader message to fans, the football community, and the institutions overseeing the game?

AE: Cape Town Spurs — and every development club like us — has no choice but to leave no stone unturned. If we are to continue producing players, we need guarantees that the return on investment is fit for purpose. Remember, neither the football institutions nor government contribute financially. There’s zero recognition or reward for the work being done at development level. Clubs fend for themselves, professional and amateur alike. If this isn’t addressed, football development will wither. For those who don’t see the bigger picture — well, then you’ve chosen the path of killing South African football.