Kaizer Chiefs Consider Demoting New Signing Luke Baartman to DDC Before First-Team Debut

Kaizer Chiefs are weighing options for their new signings, including 19-year-old Luke Baartman, who has yet to make his debut for the Soweto giants. With a busy 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign underway, the club’s depth has grown significantly following 11 new arrivals in the winter transfer window.

While several new players have already been included in matchday squads, Baartman and Nkanyiso Shinga have yet to feature in competitive fixtures. Baartman, who recently represented South Africa at the U20 World Cup, missed preseason with Chiefs and has only been training with the first team for a short period.

Co-coach Cedric Kaze explained the rationale behind potentially sending Baartman to the Development and Discipline Centre (DDC). “We have around 24 players, we have to play and get to know each other, and know how we want to play,” Kaze said. “I will give you an example of Baartman. He came here and was not registered, then went to the U20 World Cup. He didn’t come to preseason, which means he has missed at least two months with the team.”

Kaze emphasized the club’s process-oriented approach. “I’m a coach who believes in a process. That means a player like Velebayi is coming differently, like Baartman. Velebayi was on the bench [against Siwelele] because he was training with us all the time. We have many players; we choose who plays and who doesn’t play. But at the end, it’s true that if you don’t perform, then someone will play, and I’m sure that everyone will get a chance to play.”

The option to send Baartman to DDC is under consideration to give him more consistent game time and accelerate his development. “We are also considering allowing him [Baartman] to join the DDC team to get better. It’s something that we’re considering,” Kaze added.

Baartman faces stiff competition in midfield, with Chiefs already fielding experienced players. The DDC could serve as a platform for him to showcase his abilities and prove his readiness for first-team action. With the club competing domestically and in CAF inter-club tournaments, breaking into the starting lineup will require patience, commitment, and consistent performances.

For now, Baartman’s focus is likely on training, adapting to the team’s style, and using any opportunity, including potential DDC action, to earn his place among the Amakhosi regulars.