Baartman dedicates Kaizer Chiefs award to grandmother after emotional Motaung Jr moment

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Luke Baartman has dedicated his Man of the Match award to his grandmother and community after helping his side beat Kruger United 3-1 in their 2026/27 Betway Premiership opener.

The 20-year-old was handed a starting place by new coach Fernando Da Cruz and produced an industrious performance to claim the individual award. The appearance marked a significant opportunity for Baartman after a difficult previous season, when regular first-team football proved hard to secure.

Before receiving the trophy, Baartman shared an emotional exchange with Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. The midfielder said Motaung Jr had continued to encourage him during periods when he was left out of the team.

“Last season, because I didn’t get a lot of chances to play he always messaged me when I’m not in the team to keep going, to keep my head up. That’s all,” he told SuperSport TV.

Baartman started only one match last season, the final game against Chippa United, and made seven appearances in total. In his post-match comments, however, he referred to having played five games and starting the last one.

His immediate inclusion in Da Cruz’s first team for the new campaign represented a fresh start, and the midfielder responded by playing a key role in Kaizer Chiefs’ victory over Kruger United.

Baartman also used his interview to thank Da Cruz for placing his faith in him, while acknowledging the contribution of his team-mates.

“I want to give thanks to the man above,” he added.

“I think this one is going straight to my granny, to my community.

“It’s been a tough season, last season. I’ve only been playing five games, started the last.

“I just want to give thanks to the coach for believing in me and trusting me, and thanks to my teammates as well.”

The award came after a season in which opportunities were limited for the young midfielder. His only start previously came against Chippa United on the final day, making his selection for the opening match of the 2026/27 campaign particularly notable.

Motaung Jr’s continued support was also central to Baartman’s reflection on the previous season. The player said the Sporting Director would contact him when he was not selected, encouraging him to remain focused and maintain his confidence.

That backing, together with Da Cruz’s decision to start him against Kruger United, gave Baartman the chance to make an early impression under the new coach. He marked it by receiving the first Man of the Match award of his campaign, before dedicating the achievement to his grandmother in Cape Town and to his community.