Kaizer Chiefs Forward Luke Baartman Opens Up on Game-Time, Pressure and His Preferred Position

Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman has opened up about his breakthrough in regular first-team football and revealed that his preferred position is as a number nine. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a much more encouraging start to the 2026/27 season after a difficult first campaign at the Soweto giants. Baartman has featured in every match for Kaizer Chiefs so far this season, giving him the regular game-time he needed to regain momentum in his development. His improved club involvement has also earned him another call-up to the South Africa U-23 squad. The youngster is now preparing for friendly matches against Algeria as he looks to build on his promising start.

Baartman’s journey at Kaizer Chiefs has not been straightforward since his move from Cape Town Spurs. His transfer was initially complicated by legal issues involving his former club, which had been relegated to the ABC Motsepe League. The situation left the young forward in limbo for several months and prevented him from immediately settling into competitive football at his new club. Once he became available, he struggled to establish himself in the plans of the coaching staff. Former head coach Nasreddine Nabi did not regularly use him, while Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef also did not make him a consistent part of their plans.

That lack of regular football created a difficult period for a player who had already been involved with South Africa’s junior national teams. Baartman had built a reputation as a promising attacking player before joining Kaizer Chiefs, but his first season at the club did not provide the platform he needed to continue that progression. Young players often require consistent competitive minutes to develop confidence, sharpen their decision-making and adapt to the demands of senior football. Baartman was instead forced to remain patient while waiting for an opportunity. His current run of appearances suggests that patience is now beginning to pay off.

The arrival of Fernando Da Cruz has changed Baartman’s situation at Kaizer Chiefs. The French coach has given the youngster opportunities from the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, with Baartman featuring in every match for the club so far. That consistency has provided him with the chance to show what he can contribute while also gaining valuable experience at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. Baartman has responded by maintaining his focus and continuing to work for further opportunities. His performances have subsequently helped him earn another invitation to the national setup.

Baartman believes regular club football has played a major role in his return to the South Africa U-23 squad. The forward explained that representing his country can have a significant impact on a player’s career, which has made his latest call-up particularly meaningful. He also stressed the importance of continuing to work hard rather than becoming satisfied with his current progress. For Baartman, the connection between club football and international selection is clear. Consistent opportunities at Kaizer Chiefs give him the platform to demonstrate his ability, while national team involvement gives him another environment in which to develop.

The youngster’s comments also reveal how much he values the importance of simply being on the pitch. Baartman said that he kept working, eventually received game-time and did what he knows he can do before earning the national team call-up. That approach reflects the situation he experienced during his difficult first season at Chiefs. Instead of allowing limited opportunities to derail his development, he continued preparing for the possibility that his chance would arrive. With Da Cruz now giving him regular minutes, Baartman has an opportunity to turn that patience into sustained progress.

Playing regularly for Kaizer Chiefs also brings a different level of pressure because of the club’s size and expectations. The Soweto giants have a huge following, and young players are expected to perform under intense scrutiny. Baartman acknowledged that pressure exists but believes the important factor is how a player responds to it. He feels that he has handled the demands well so far and pointed to his performances and regular involvement as evidence. Learning to manage that pressure will be an important part of his development as he seeks to establish himself at senior level.

Baartman’s comments about his preferred position are also significant because he has mainly been deployed on the left side of the attack by Da Cruz. Although he has shown that he can operate in a wider role, the youngster considers himself primarily a number nine. He also identified the false nine position as his second preference. His versatility comes from his development within a strong youth structure, where he learned to operate in different attacking positions. That flexibility can be valuable to Kaizer Chiefs, even if Baartman ultimately wants to establish himself as a central striker.

The number nine position carries specific responsibilities that suit players who want to influence the game close to the opposition goal. A central striker is expected to create scoring opportunities, occupy defenders and contribute directly to goals. Baartman’s preference suggests that he wants to play in a position where he can have a more direct attacking influence. However, his experience on the left side could also help him develop a broader understanding of attacking movements. The ability to operate across the front line could give Da Cruz additional tactical options while Baartman continues to work toward his preferred role.

Baartman’s development at Kaizer Chiefs is also connected to the club’s wider need to make effective use of its younger players. The Soweto giants have a long history of developing talent and introducing young players into senior football. For a player like Baartman, consistent first-team opportunities can be more valuable than occasional appearances because they allow him to learn from mistakes and build rhythm. The current season provides him with that opportunity. His challenge will now be to maintain his standards and convince the coaching staff that he can remain an important part of the team.

The South Africa U-23 camp provides another opportunity for Baartman to continue that development. Raymond Mdaka’s squad will face Algeria in two friendly matches, giving the players a chance to test themselves against international opposition. The matches are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday in Durban. For Baartman, the fixtures offer valuable minutes outside the club environment and an opportunity to work alongside other promising South African players. Strong performances could further strengthen his confidence as he continues to establish himself at Kaizer Chiefs.

International football can also help young players develop different aspects of their game. Playing against Algeria will require Baartman and his teammates to adapt to an opponent with its own tactical approach and style. Friendly matches provide space for experimentation, but they also offer players an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to follow instructions and perform within a team structure. Baartman’s versatility could prove useful during the two encounters. His ability to play as a central striker, false nine or wider attacker gives the coaching staff different ways to use him.

For Baartman, the immediate objective is clear. He wants to continue playing regularly for Kaizer Chiefs, keep improving and make the most of his opportunities with South Africa’s U-23 team. His comments show that he understands the importance of consistent game-time in maintaining his development. After spending much of his first season waiting for an opportunity, he now has the chance to build a sustained run of appearances. The pressure that comes with playing for Kaizer Chiefs will remain, but he believes he has already shown that he can handle it.

Baartman’s story at Kaizer Chiefs has therefore entered a new phase. His difficult first season was shaped by circumstances beyond his control as well as limited opportunities under successive coaching regimes. The arrival of Da Cruz has given him a fresh opportunity, and regular appearances have quickly helped him regain momentum. His return to the South Africa U-23 setup is further evidence that consistent club football can open doors at international level. With Algeria next on the schedule and more matches ahead for Kaizer Chiefs, Baartman now has the platform he spent much of last season waiting for.

The next challenge will be turning regular game-time into consistent performances and establishing himself as a dependable attacking option for Kaizer Chiefs. Baartman has made it clear that his preferred position is number nine, although his ability to play as a false nine or from the left gives him useful versatility. His current form has already earned recognition from the national setup, but the forward knows that he must continue working to retain that momentum. The matches against Algeria will provide another test of his progress and an opportunity to gain further experience. After a difficult start at Naturena, Luke Baartman now has the opportunity to build the first-team career he believes he is capable of achieving.