Baartman aiming to stay in South Africa’s Olympic qualification push

Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman says he must continue playing regularly if he is to remain part of South Africa’s Under-23 squad and pursue qualification for the 2028 Olympics.

Baartman has already represented his country at Under-17 and Under-20 level and is now involved with the next age-group side, which is preparing for two international friendlies against Algeria in Bloemfontein this week.

The first match will take place on Thursday, October 1, at Petrus Molemela Stadium.

The Under-23 squad includes several of South Africa’s most promising young players, with Mfundo Vilakazi, Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Mpho Padime, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Gabriel Amato, Cemran Dansin and Simphiwe Selepe also selected.

The group’s longer-term objective is to reach the 2027 U/23 Africa Cup of Nations, which acts as a qualifying tournament for the Olympics.

Baartman has made an encouraging start to the season with Kaizer Chiefs and has been one of the notable performers at Naturena since the arrival of coach Fernando Da Cruz. The former Cape Town Spurs forward believes maintaining his club form will be crucial to his international prospects.

“I don’t want to say good start, but a great start for me, for playing all of the games so far in the league. It’s just for me to keep on working and keep on getting game time. If you don’t play, you are not going to get called up. So, it’s for me to work and keep on playing,” Baartman told the media in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon.

The forward has appeared in eight matches for Amakhosi in all competitions this season and has scored one goal.

Regular first-team football has given Baartman an opportunity to establish himself at club level, while also strengthening his case for continued involvement with the national team.

“It’s always a good thing to play for your country and playing for the national team can change your career. So, I need to keep on working and keep on getting better,” he added.

With the 2027 U/23 Africa Cup of Nations ahead, Baartman is determined to retain his place in a squad regarded as one of the most talented collections of young South African players.

The two matches against Algeria will provide the Under-23 team with an early opportunity to build towards its Olympic qualification campaign, while Baartman will look to extend the run of form that has brought him into contention.