Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Star wants Amakhosi! Baartman on missing AFCON, Petersen close to return, & more…

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Kaizer Chiefs News Today: Star wants Amakhosi! Baartman on missing AFCON, Petersen close to return, & more…

Latest Kaizer Chiefs news, in the last 24 hours including Luke Baartman opening up on AFCON miss, Bafana Bafana international wants Amakhosi, Brandon Petersen progress, and more.

Chiefs latest news

Baartman opens up about missing COSAFA & AFCON

Kaizer Chiefs attacker Luke Baartman has opened up on his return to the SA U23 squad having missed out on COSAFA U20 championship in 2024 & 2025 CAF U20 AFCON due to injury.

Baartman, 20, was called up to the national U20 side last year for the COSAFA championship but missed out on the tournament due to injury and subsequently the U20 AFCON which Amajita won.  

This time around he has been called up by Raymond Mdaka for the U23 side that will play back-to-back international friendlies against Algeria in Bloemfontein this week. The youngster says he values being part of the national team saying it can change one’s career.

“I think it started with the national team, COSAFA and AFCON,” said Baartman.

“I think I was with the team when we were preparing for it, but I got injured so I didn’t go to COSAFA, and I didn’t go to AFCON. So, I was just working now we are back again.

Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman celebrates his debut goal for the club.
Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman celebrates his debut goal for the club. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

“I think it’s always a good thing to play for your country, to represent them and, it’s big to play for the national team. It can also change your career playing for your national team. For me it’s to keep on working on getting better,” he concluded.

Makgalwa on Chiefs dream

Kaizer Chiefs came calling for Keletso Makgalwa, but the former Mamelodi Sundowns winger has revealed why their approach ultimately failed to convince him to stay in South Africa.

Makgalwa was a free agent after leaving Sekhukhune United at the end of last season and attracted interest from several clubs, including Chiefs.

The 29-year-old eventually chose a very different path, signing for Tanzanian giants Simba SC, where he is now working under former Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker.

Makgalwa confirmed that Amakhosi did make an offer for his services, but the timing of their approach proved decisive.

“Yes, Chiefs were one of the teams that were interested (in my services),” said Makgalwa.

The former Sundowns player then provided more insight into why the proposed move to Naturena never materialised.

“It was a good offer from them, but I wanted to play elsewhere outside South Africa. That’s why I chose Simba SC. I didn’t really decline the offer.

Keletso Makgalwa Sekhukhune United

“They came late, to be honest. I had a conversation with my agent (Ntobatsi Masegela) and Kaizer (Motaung Jr). They were busy finalising their squad, and Simba came, you know. So I was like let me just go to Simba.

“It is still a dream for me because, as a young boy from Mokopane, it was one of my dreams to play for Kaizer Chiefs. So I think if that move comes, I will take it. But for now, I am focused on Simba, helping them to win the league and do well in the (CAF) Champions League,” Makgalwa added.

Petersen making positive progress!

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen appears to be making positive progress in his recovery from a knee injury, with indications from sources that the experienced shot-stopper could return to action on or ahead of schedule.

Petersen sustained a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during training two weeks ago, with Chiefs confirming at the time that he was expected to be sidelined for an estimated four to six weeks.

The injury came as a blow to Amakhosi, with Petersen having featured in every match since the start of the season before being forced onto the sidelines.

Brandon Petersen, Kaizer Chiefs
Brandon Petersen, Kaizer Chiefs – Image: Chiefs

However, sources have indicated that the goalkeeper is on the mend and that his recovery is progressing well, raising hopes that he could be back sooner than initially anticipated.

Chiefs turned to Renaldo Leaner for their final fixture before the FIFA International break, with the goalkeeper marking his debut with a clean sheet in a goalless draw against Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium on September 20.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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