Why Kaizer Chiefs boss Fernando Da Cruz is using Luke Baartman on the wing

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz says Luke Baartman’s development is being supported by his move from striker to the wing, with the 20-year-old already making a strong impression at the start of the 2026/27 season.

Baartman scored his first goal of the campaign on Wednesday as Kaizer Chiefs beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium.

The goal added to an encouraging opening to the season for the former Cape Town Spurs player, who has quickly become an important part of Da Cruz’s plans.

Baartman made only six league appearances during his first season with Amakhosi last term. Under new manager Da Cruz, however, he has started all three of Kaizer Chiefs’ matches so far this season, including two league games and one in the MTN8.

His role has also changed. Baartman largely played as a striker during his development at Cape Town Spurs, but Da Cruz has opted to use him in a wider position. The switch has delivered immediate results.

In Kaizer Chiefs’ first league match of the season earlier this month, Baartman was named Man of the Match after helping the club to a 3-1 victory against top-flight newcomers Kruger United.

Da Cruz believes playing in several positions will give the youngster a broader understanding of the game and add to the range of skills he can use during matches.

“Modern football now requires players who are able to play in many positions. For a young player like Luke Baartman, it’s important to give him different tools to be able to play in different positions,” Da Cruz told journalists after the Sekhukhune match.

“The most important thing for him is to read the game, for example, knowing what to do when he receives the ball in different situations of the game.”

The French coach has been encouraged not only by Baartman’s technical ability but also by his capacity to follow instructions and adapt to the demands of a new position.

Da Cruz highlighted the youngster’s pace and his attitude towards learning as further reasons for his progress.

“He’s a player with good technical qualities, and also a player with good explosiveness when he plays football. He is a young player, and he listens to what the coaches ask of him, which is very important to me,” Da Cruz added.

The coach said Baartman’s willingness to listen was particularly important at this stage of his career, pointing to the need for young players to understand what is expected of them rather than assuming they already have the experience required.

“The most important thing for young players is to listen to what the coach wants, because sometimes young players think that they are experienced. But Luke is very focused and knows what the coach expects from him,” the coach said.