Chiefs Consider DDC Demotion For Baartman
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has revealed that the club is considering relegating youngster Luke Baartman to their DStv Diski Challenge team, citing concerns that the 19-year-old is not yet ready for the first team.
Baartnam recently joined Amakhosi as a free agent alongside Asanele Velebhayi, following Cape Town Spurs’ relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.
However, the Urban Warriors challenged the PSL dispute resolution chamber’s decision, which declared the duo free agents.
Two weeks ago, the duo received a boost when SAFA arbitrator Hilton Epstein ruled that they are eligible to represent Amakhosi, following months of dispute over their move from Urban Warriors.
Despite this, Baartman has yet to make it into the matchday squad, while Velebhayi was named on the bench in their 0-0 draw against Siwelele at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
“We have around 24 players, we have to play and get to know each other and know how we want to play,” Kaze explained.
“I will give you an example of Baartman. He came here and was not registered, then after that, he went to the World Cup [u/20].
“I would say that he didn’t come to the preseason, which means that in general, he has missed at least two months with the team.”
Kaze emphasized that he is a coach who believes in a process, highlighting the different approaches of Baartman and Velebhayi.
“I’m a coach that believes in a process,” he stated.
“I think that means a player like Velebhayi is coming differently, like Baartman, and Velebhayi was on the bench because he was training with us all the time.
“We have many players, we choose who plays and who doesn’t play. But at the end, it’s true that if you don’t perform, then someone will play, and I’m sure that everyone will get a chance to play.”
Regarding Baartman’s future, Kaze added, “We are also considering allowing him in the DDC team to get better. It’s something that we’re considering.”
Baartman was part of the Amajita squad that participated in the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile, where he played in all three games in the group stage, coming as a substitute each time, but failed to score or provide an assist.
