Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman has reflected on his impressive start to the 2026/27 season after establishing himself as a regular in the Amakhosi attack.
Baartman has featured in all eight league matches so far this season, scoring once, already surpassing the seven appearances he managed during his debut campaign after joining Chiefs from Cape Town Spurs.
- ALSO READ: Chiefs Sporting Director Tips Youngster For First-Team Return
- Baartman Opens Up On Past COSAFA & AFCON Setbacks
His first season was disrupted by a lengthy transfer saga following Spurs’ relegation, with Chiefs eventually securing his services as a free agent. The teenager subsequently missed pre-season and a significant portion of the start of the campaign due to legal and registration issues.
However, the 19-year-old has quickly made up for lost time this season and is now focused on maintaining his run of regular football.
“I think it’s a great start for me, playing all the games so far in the league and it’s just for me to keep working and keep getting game time, if you don’t play you won’t get called up [to the national team] so it’s for me to keep working, keep getting game time,” Baartman said.
The forward has also spoken about handling the pressure that comes with playing for one of the country’s biggest clubs.
“I think there’s always pressure but it’s how you handle it, it’s how you take it, there’s pressure, you can see so far I’m doing great [at Chiefs],” he added.
Baartman’s versatility has also been valuable to Chiefs, with the youngster capable of operating in different roles across the frontline.
While he identifies the traditional No.9 role as his preferred position, Baartman is also comfortable dropping deeper as a false nine.
“You know firstly when you come from a great structure, a great development side you will be able to play everywhere up front, so for me it’s just my position is number nine, but after that it’s a false nine,” he concluded.