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Kaizer Chiefs sweat over fitness of key forward ahead of Stellenbosch clash

Luke Baartman has been an important player for Kaizer Chiefs this season
Luke Baartman has been an important player for Kaizer Chiefs this seasonKaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs are sweating on the fitness of young forward Luke Baartman after he picked up an injury on national team duty with the South African Under-23s.

Baartman has been in good form for the AmaKhosi this season in what could be a breakthrough year after several false starts to his young career.

The 20-year-old has featured in all eight games that Chiefs have played under coach Fernando Da Cruz, who clearly likes what he sees in the former Cape Town Spurs academy product.

But he might miss the home clash with Stellenbosch FC next Tuesday after picking up an ankle injury with the Under-23s, Chiefs have confirmed.

His absence could be offset by the return to fitness of Flavio Silva afetr the Guinea-Bissau forward missed most of this season with injury. 

Baartman is in his fourth season as a professional but his career has stuttered along to date.

Luke Baartman's topflight career statistics
Luke Baartman's topflight career statisticsFlashscore

When he burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old with Spurs in 2023, there was an immediate ‘wow’ factor as he made his debut in a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates.

Those in the know in Cape Town football circles had spoken of his talent for a few years, but he came through in a struggling Spurs side that were ultimately relegated that season.

He played a bit-part role in their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign the following year, which also ended in relegation, making two starts in 12 appearances before moving to Chiefs for the 2025/26 campaign.

He made one start in seven appearances as experience was preferred over youth, but his place in the team for the opening games of this campaign will hopefully be a turning point.

 

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.

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