Having only arrived at Chiefs towards the end of the year, Baartman also understandably struggled to hit the ground running due to the unfamiliar, fast-paced life of Johannesburg.
Image: BackpagePix
Luke Baartman has experienced the frustration of being down the pecking order at Kaizer Chiefs, which is why he is determined to work his way to the top next season, starting with pre-season.
Baartman had a lukewarm start to life at Chiefs this season. He made only six appearances, with most of those coming from the bench.
While he has shown flashes of brilliance with his quick feet, dribbling ability and link-up play up front, he still has no goal contribution to show for his efforts so far this campaign.
Baartman's barren run has been unlike his exploits in his first season in top-flight football at Cape Town Spurs, where he won hearts and was tipped as one of the country’s brightest future prospects.
Baartman, though, understands that the only way he can improve his chances of playing is through hard work at training and on the pitch.
“It’s good being a Kaizer Chiefs player, but it’s been tough for me not playing,” Baartman said. “There’s a lot of competition in the team, so I just need to continue working hard at training and on the field, and leave the rest up to the coaches.
“When I arrived, the team was doing well, even though there were ups and downs like anywhere,” Baartman reflected. “If the coaches had given me more chances, I think I would have done better.”
Having only arrived at Chiefs towards the end of the year, Baartman also understandably struggled to hit the ground running due to the unfamiliar, fast-paced life of Johannesburg.
“I am the youngest player in the team,” the 19-year-old said. “So, coming to Johannesburg, I realised that things and life are a bit faster this side compared to Cape Town. I am not going out much, but I am getting used to it.”
Baartman’s teammates in his age group, notably Mfundo Vilakazi, have already earned fan-favourite status due to their early popularity and impressive performances. He is not envious of them, though, but encouraged.
“When the people playing ahead of me are doing well, I also do well,” Baartman explained.
Given the fact that Baartman arrived at Chiefs after pre-season, following the club’s contractual dispute with his former team Spurs, he is set to be part of the full pre-season programme for the upcoming campaign. That is why he wants to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“Going with the team to pre-season would allow me to showcase what I can do from the start of the season, which is my best,” Baartman explained.
Baartman can still end the season on a high. He could finally get the monkey off his back by contributing in the team’s season finale against Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).
A win in that match would ensure that Chiefs finish the season with 57 points, matching their best tally when they finished second during the 2019/20 season, while further cementing their third-place finish in style.
Chippa will not be easy opponents. They desperately need three points to move away from the relegation/promotion play-off spot and safely retain their top-flight status ahead of the new season.
“We all know that Chippa are in a slippery position. They are going to come with everything they have to win the game,” Baartman said. “We have already secured third place, but we have to go out and play our best on Saturday.
“We have been working on the same approach from the start of the season. So, it will really be up to them on how they approach the game.”