Kaizer Chiefs’ recent signing, Luke ‘Boere’ Baartman, will walk with a feeling of firm hug welcome as he begins his career with the Soweto giants.
Baartman is now at Chiefs despite his former club Cape Town Spurs still pursuing their legal options to challenge his transfer as a free agent along that of Asanele Velebayi.
READ | Cardoso’s rule call with thunderstorm clouds gathering at Downs
There were encouraging words from Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Mduduzi Shabalala when they were asked about the 19-year-old this morning at the club’s training base.
"We have had a few sessions with him, and he is a great player.
"I think for him, it is to just play his football, learn and improve his game everywhere that he needs to improve.
"And then the pressure of the team, I would say that it is natural when you play for Chiefs, there is that pressure.
"I think with the talent he has, he going to do well for the team," points out Ngcobo.
With Shabalala, he is even more understanding of what is facing Baartman and is pushing him not to lose his identity.
Baartman will play in attacking spaces for Chiefs, just like he did at Spurs.
"Luke is a good player and a good signing for us and is going to help us a lot.
"What he needs to do is focus on himself and always be himself at training and on the field.
READ: Light at the end of the tunnel for Ndah at Pirates
"Also, he must play with his heart.
"Another thing, he mustn’t listen to everyone.
"He must do his thing and close the noise outside," says Shabalala.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
