{"id":31388,"date":"2026-05-22T19:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T19:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=31388"},"modified":"2026-05-22T19:35:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T19:35:00","slug":"baartman-reflects-on-pressure-packed-first-season-with-chiefs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/baartman-reflects-on-pressure-packed-first-season-with-chiefs\/","title":{"rendered":"Baartman Reflects on Pressure-Packed First Season with Chiefs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Luke Baartman, a young talent from Kaizer Chiefs, has acknowledged the challenges he faces at Naturena due to a lack of playing time this season.<\/p>\n

At just 19, the forward joined Amakhosi in August 2025 after a stint with Cape Town Spurs ended following their demotion to the ABC Motsepe League.<\/p>\n

However, gaining a spot in the Chiefs\u2019 starting eleven has been an uphill battle for him.<\/p>\n

This season, Baartman has appeared in only six matches across all competitions, most of which have been as a substitute.<\/p>\n

His most recent appearance was in April, during a goalless encounter with Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership.<\/p>\n

As he prepares for Kaizer Chiefs\u2019 last league game against Chippa United, Baartman expressed his frustration about being on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to be a Kaizer Chiefs player, but it\u2019s been tough not playing regularly because there is a lot of competition,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

He detailed the challenge of joining games when the team is already facing adversity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you come on while the team is losing, there\u2019s pressure to attack quickly, and sometimes you lose the ball and must defend again,\u201d he mentioned.<\/p>\n

Despite the hurdles, the young player holds onto the importance of patience, committing himself to diligent training as he waits for an opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n