Kaizer Chiefs fans have been buzzing to catch a glimpse of Luke Baartman in action. The hype just got turned up a notch after his ex-coach, Benson Mhlongo, called him a once-in-a-generation talent.
Mhlongo hasn’t held back, saying Baartman’s style and vision puts him in the same conversation as Themba Zwane, and, if you can believe it, even Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta.
The Elsies River-born forward joined Kaizer Chiefs as a free agent after Cape Town Spurs’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
LUKE BAARTMAN TO KAIZER CHIEFS
“I can describe Luke Baartman as a new sensation—one of the rare intelligent players at his age. He is very smart,” Mhlongo told the media.
“I just hope Kaizer Chiefs will be patient with him because he doesn’t show much work rate at training; he is more calculative. While others may be running at full speed, he takes a more measured approach.
“However, he creates moments reminiscent of legends like Shoes Moshoeu and Jabu Pule. Baartman is a player with international potential,” Mhlongo added on the 19-year-old.
Mhlongo added to paint a picture of Baartman as a magician on the pitch with the brains to match his skill.
“Those who understand football know that such players are strategic in their play. They act when necessary. On the field, Baartman will indeed bring magic. I hope he works on his stamina, and soon he could find himself alongside players like Relebohile Mofokeng in the national team,” Mhlongo continued.
“I admire Baartman’s fighting spirit. He can jump, challenge, and never shies away from 50/50 situations. He’s brilliant with the ball, can score goals, and is an excellent finisher.
“It has been too long since we’ve seen such a player; he reminds me of Iniesta from FC Barcelona. Baartman is undoubtedly a refreshing talent,” the Alexandra-born Orlando Pirates legend concluded.
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