Junior Khanye Endorses Luke Baartman but Urges Patience

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has backed new signing Luke Baartman to succeed at Naturena, while stressing that the youngster still has much to prove at the highest level.

Khanye, who has consistently shared strong views on Amakhosi’s transfer dealings, said Baartman deserves to be seen as one of the club’s long-term assets. He pointed to the winger’s performances for Cape Town Spurs and his involvement with the junior national teams as evidence of his potential.

“I have spoken about the Kaizer Chiefs signings that I think are good for the club, and I would like to also add Luke Baartman to the list,” Khanye told the Siya crew. “Although I feel he still needs to prove himself for me, the boy has got the potential. I have seen him in the junior national teams, and I saw him at Cape Town Spurs. He’s the one for the future. I think he’s a good signing for the club, although he has a lot to do to prove what I say in a Chiefs jersey.”

The teenager has earned praise for his flair, dribbling ability, and creativity in the attacking third. His rise at Spurs made him one of the most talked-about young players in the Premier Soccer League, eventually sealing his move to the Glamour Boys.

Khanye has already endorsed the arrivals of Lebohang Maboe, Paseka Mako, and Khanyisa Mayo, and now places Baartman alongside them as a player who could shape the club’s future. He believes that under coach Nasreddine Nabi, Chiefs’ rebuilding process is heading in the right direction, but warned that Baartman’s progress will depend on how the club nurtures him.

For Chiefs, the arrival of Baartman adds youthful energy to a squad aiming to recapture its former dominance in South African football. The pressure on the youngster will be immense, but if he develops steadily, he could play a central role in the club’s push to return to glory.