Kaizer Chiefs Coach Fernando Da Cruz Advised on How to Unlock Luke Baartman’s Full Potential

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has been urged to reconsider Luke Baartman’s role in the team, with former Cape Town Spurs assistant coach Benson Mhlongo believing the young forward could be more effective as a creative attacker. The 20-year-old has become a regular feature under the French tactician during the 2026/27 campaign, but questions remain about whether he is being used in the position that best suits his abilities. Mhlongo believes Baartman has the vision, technical skill and football intelligence to make a greater impact from a wider attacking position or as a number 10. His advice comes as Chiefs continue their efforts to build a more effective attacking unit and compete for domestic honours. Finding the right role for Baartman could prove important for both the player’s development and the club’s long-term plans.

Baartman’s emergence at Naturena has attracted attention because of his progress after a difficult first season in which he struggled to secure regular playing time. His increased involvement under Da Cruz represents an opportunity to establish himself as an important member of the Kaizer Chiefs squad. However, earning a regular place is only one part of a young player’s development, as his position must also allow him to use his strongest qualities. Mhlongo believes that deploying Baartman as a traditional centre-forward could limit his influence on matches. In his view, Chiefs should consider a tactical adjustment that gives the youngster greater freedom to create chances and influence attacking movements.

Mhlongo, who previously worked with Baartman at Cape Town Spurs, believes the forward has qualities that make him suited to a more creative role. He explained that players need guidance and opportunities from their technical teams to adjust and become important contributors. According to Mhlongo, Baartman’s ability to recognise space and create opportunities should be central to decisions about where he plays. Rather than focusing exclusively on his responsibilities as a striker, Chiefs could allow him to operate in positions where he can receive the ball, link up with teammates and influence the final pass. Such an approach would require careful tactical planning, but it could give the youngster more opportunities to demonstrate his strengths.

Mhlongo has specifically suggested that Da Cruz consider using Baartman on either flank or in the number 10 position behind the main striker. He believes the young attacker possesses the intelligence required to identify passing opportunities and create chances for teammates. A number 10 typically operates between the opposition’s midfield and defence, where quick decisions and precise passing can unlock compact defensive structures. A wide attacking role could also allow Baartman to move into central areas, combine with other forwards and exploit spaces left by opposing defenders. These positions could offer him greater freedom than a traditional striker role, although their effectiveness would depend on the team’s overall system and the responsibilities assigned to him.

Mhlongo’s recommendation is based partly on what he observed while working with Baartman at Cape Town Spurs. During that period, he believes the youngster was most effective when he had the freedom to move across attacking areas rather than remain fixed in one position. That flexibility allowed Baartman to surprise defenders, find pockets of space and create opportunities that might not have been available to a conventional centre-forward. Mhlongo also recalled that Baartman contributed significantly to the team’s attacking play during a period when Cape Town Spurs improved their league position. His assessment suggests that the player’s value should not be measured only by goals, but also by his ability to create chances and help teammates become more dangerous in the final third.

Mhlongo also expressed concern that Baartman’s confidence could suffer if his opportunities at Kaizer Chiefs were reduced. Young footballers often need consistent minutes and a clear understanding of their roles to develop their decision-making and adapt to the demands of senior competition. When players are moved between positions without sufficient guidance, they can struggle to establish a rhythm or understand what the coaching staff expects from them. Mhlongo believes the Chiefs technical team must give Baartman the support he needs to continue progressing. His comments do not mean that the youngster should be guaranteed a starting position, but they highlight the importance of creating an environment in which his development can continue.

For Da Cruz, the challenge is to balance Baartman’s individual strengths with the tactical needs of the team. Playing him as a centre-forward may offer advantages when Chiefs need a player to occupy central defenders, press from the front or make runs behind the defensive line. However, if the coaching staff believes his greatest strength lies in creating chances, a position closer to the attacking midfield line could allow him to influence more phases of play. The coach must also consider the qualities of the other attackers available and how their movement complements Baartman’s game. Any positional change would need to improve the team’s overall performance rather than simply accommodate one player’s preferred role.

The number 10 position could be particularly interesting because it would give Baartman opportunities to receive possession in advanced areas without always having to compete physically with opposition centre-backs. From there, he could look for through balls, combine with overlapping full-backs or release wingers into space. He would also need to work hard without possession, support the team’s pressing structure and help prevent opponents from advancing easily through midfield. A wide role would bring different responsibilities, including tracking opposing full-backs and making decisions about when to stay near the touchline or move inside. The coaching staff would need to assess these demands during training and matches before deciding which position best suits the youngster.

Baartman’s development is important for Kaizer Chiefs as the club looks to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for trophies. Giving young players opportunities can help the team develop greater depth while reducing its dependence on a limited group of established performers. However, development requires more than selecting a promising player for regular matches. Coaches must identify the player’s strengths, address weaknesses and provide a tactical structure that encourages improvement. In Baartman’s case, finding the right balance between freedom and responsibility could help him become a more consistent contributor to the Chiefs attack.

The upcoming fixtures will provide further opportunities to assess how Da Cruz intends to use Baartman as the season progresses. Chiefs are scheduled to face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout before their Premier Soccer League encounter against Orlando Pirates. These matches will test the team’s attacking organisation and the ability of its players to perform under pressure. Baartman’s role could become an important talking point if the technical team experiments with different attacking combinations. His performances will also help determine whether he can maintain his place in the squad while adapting to the tactical demands placed on him.

Mhlongo’s advice presents Da Cruz and the Kaizer Chiefs coaching staff with a clear question about how best to develop one of their promising young attackers. Baartman has earned increased opportunities at Naturena, but his long-term progress may depend on finding a position that makes full use of his technical ability and creativity. A role on the wing or as a number 10 could give him greater opportunities to create chances, although the final decision must reflect the team’s needs and the player’s development. Consistent guidance, tactical clarity and suitable playing time will remain important as he adjusts to the demands of top-level football. If Chiefs can identify the role in which Baartman makes his greatest contribution, they could help him build confidence, improve his effectiveness and become a more influential figure in the club’s attack.