Kaizer Chiefs attacker Luke Baartman has admitted that a lot of things have changed since the last time he was in the national team set-up and credits hard work for his return.
Baartman, 20, was called up to the national U20 side last year for the COSAFA championship but missed out on the tournament due to injury and subsequently the U20 AFCON which Amajita won.
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This time around he has been called up by Raymond Mdaka for the U23 side that will play back-to-back international friendlies against Algeria in Bloemfontein this week.
The youngster says he values being part of the national team saying it can change one’s career.
“I think it started with the national team, COSAFA and AFCON,” said Baartman.
“I think I was with the team when we were preparing for it, but I got injured so I didn’t go to COSAFA, and I didn’t go to AFCON. So, I was just working now we are back again.
“I think it’s always a good thing to play for your country, to represent them and, it’s big to play for the national team.
“It can also change your career playing for your national team. For me it’s to keep on working on getting better.”
Amaglug-glug beat the North Africans 3-1 in the first friendly on Thursday and will be looking to make it a double when the sides clash again on Sunday.