Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coaches, Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, have
received exciting insights into their new, yet-to-debut striker, Luke
Baartman, from one of his former mentors.
Baartman’s start at Amakhosi has been delayed since his off-season move from
Cape Town Spurs. His arrival was initially held up by a legal dispute over
his free-agent status. Just as that matter was resolved, the 19-year-old was
called up for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with South Africa’s national
team, Amajita.
Now back at Naturena since mid-October, the player affectionately known as
‘Boere’ is being gradually integrated into the squad as he regains his match
fitness.
In an exclusive interview, Baartman’s former coach at Cape Town Spurs,
Benson Mhlongo, has urged the Chiefs technical team to recognize the
“special” talent they have acquired. Mhlongo believes Baartman has the
potential to make an impact reminiscent of Kaizer Chiefs legends like Jabu
Pule (Mahlangu) and Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe.
“He’s a special player, very special,” Mhlongo stated. “He does things you
won’t believe.”
The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender offered crucial
advice, explaining that Baartman’s training style can be deceptive.
“The only thing is, he is not the aggressive-training-player. When you look
at him at training he will fool you because he doesn’t go 50/50, he doesn’t
want to hurt his teammates,” Mhlongo explained. “But when it comes to
match-days, he will show you flames. He needs a coach that would understand
him.”
Mhlongo concluded with a powerful endorsement, recalling how Baartman played
through pain to single-handedly win games for Spurs, a quality that
ultimately convinced Chiefs to sign him.
“He just prepares himself. But on matchdays, he will win you matches. We had
to take him out of injury for him to help us… there are games he won for
us by himself. That’s why they snatched him because they saw the quality.”
