Kaizer Chiefs teenage forward Luke Baartman will not being going to the DStv Diski Challenge squad, the club’s Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. confirmed.
Baartman, 19, has been subject of intense debate in recent weeks with the player yet to make his official debut, there were some considerations from the technical team to potentially offer him some minutes in the reserve team.
However, this was met with mixed reception from supporters and media alike, with the teenager considered one of the finest attacking talents in the country, with Chiefs beating several Premier Soccer League club’s to his services.
Baartman and his former Cape Town Spurs teammate Asanele Velebayi – who made his first team debut last week against AS Simba – were delayed in integration due to Spurs contesting their moves as free agents, following their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.
“Luke is an amazing talent, I think everyone knows where we come from and the battle that he had with his former club, it’s always amazing to have the best of local talent, so like everyone else, whether it’s Asanele, Luke, we want them to come inside [the club] settle and then hit the ground running with the right environment,” he said.
“He’s a top talent, he’s in the first team and we have big plans for Luke, he’s an exceptional talent and I think everyone saw him with the World Cup U20 team with Mfundo, so personally, we’re happy with him, progressing very well.
“He has a big heart, amazing talent and a great mentality to have been through what he’s gone through and still come to work everyday, focused, driven and ready – so he’s with the first team, with us and very excited for the day he gets his chance to show his level, he’s not going to the DDC.”
Baartman made nine appearances in the top-flight for Spurs two seasons ago – scoring two goals.