Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has revealed that the club is weighing up the option of sending Luke Baartman to their DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side in order to help the talented youngster gain valuable match experience after struggling for first-team opportunities.
Baartman, who joined Amakhosi from Cape Town Spurs and represented South Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup, has found his transition into the senior setup challenging. According to Kaze, his lack of involvement during the pre-season has been a key reason behind his slow adaptation.
“Baartman wasn’t registered initially because he went to the World Cup,” Kaze explained following Chiefs’ goalless draw against Siwelele. “He missed the entire pre-season, which means he lost about two months of work with the team. I believe in the process, and players like Asenele Velebayi have moved ahead of him simply because they’ve been with us consistently.”
Fierce Competition Within The Squad
Kaze acknowledged that competition for places in the Chiefs squad is intense, with several young players vying for limited spots. However, he emphasized that every player will eventually get the opportunity to prove themselves.
“We have 35 players, so we must make tough choices about who plays,” he said. “If you don’t perform, someone else will get the chance. But I’m confident that everyone will get their moment.”
DDC Stint Could Aid Development
The Zimbabwean tactician hinted that a temporary move to the DDC team might be the best step for Baartman at this stage.
“Playing him in the DDC is something we’re considering,” Kaze admitted. “It would not only help him get more minutes but also strengthen our DDC side. It’s definitely an option we’re looking into.”
Baartman’s possible involvement in the DDC setup could provide him with consistent game time to sharpen his skills and regain match rhythm potentially positioning him for a more prominent first-team role later in the season.
Kaizer Chiefs: Looking Ahead
For Kaizer Chiefs, managing young talent like Baartman remains key to their long-term rebuilding strategy. The club continues to balance experience with youth development as they aim to restore their dominance in South African football.
If Baartman impresses in the DDC, he could soon force his way back into first-team contention offering Chiefs yet another promising option for the future.
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