Luke Baartman: Da Cruz reveals why Kaizer Chiefs forward is shining

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has opened up about what has impressed him about youngster Luke Baartman who has started the season brightly.

Baartman had a difficult debut season last term, when he started just one match, with six other substitute appearances that did not allow him to make much impact.

However, this season, the 20-year-old has been among the first names of the team sheet, starting all three games, and scored his first goal in Chiefs colours on Wednesday, when he netted the opener as Da Cruz’s side beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 to move top of the Betway Premiership table.

Da Cruz admits he has been impressed by the character of the ex-Cape Town Spurs man as he is a good listener who is always willing to learn, attributes that have made it easy to work with.

Da Cruz on what makes Baartman tick

“He is a player with good technical qualities. He is also a player with good explosivity in his game when he plays football,” said Da Cruz as quoted by KickOff.

“And he is a young player, and for the moment he listens. He listens to what the coach asks of him, and it’s very important for him. What is most important for a young player is to listen to what the coach wants of him.

“Sometimes young players think that they are experienced players, and for the moment, Luke is focused. He listens to what the coach expects of him.”

As a young player, Da Cruz acknowledges Baartmn will have some dips in form but he hopes his character remains the same.

What is Chiefs forward’s best position?

The Chiefs coach has used Baartman either on the left wing or as a number 10 but he is not getting drawn into what position best suits the player as long as he is producing the desired results.

“I know that he cannot have this level all season; sometimes he will need to recover, and we will need to support him in the different time of the season,” added Da Cruz.

“Today, in modern football, the notion of position is difficult because players can play in different positions. And for a young player like Luke Baartman, it is important to give him different tools to be able to play in different positions.

“What is important for him is to read the game. For example, when he receives the ball, he needs to understand what he needs to do now and why in his situation,” the French coach further stated.

Baartman is becoming a key player for Chiefs just months after he looked to have made a wrong career decision and Da Cruz will hope to see more of him with a top test against Mamelodi Sundowns up next on Saturday.