Luke Baartman credits hard work after returning to South Africa set-up

Kaizer Chiefs attacker Luke Baartman says sustained hard work has helped him return to international football after injury prevented him from representing South Africa at last year’s COSAFA championship and U20 AFCON.

The 20-year-old was selected for the national U20 squad for the COSAFA tournament but was ruled out by injury. He subsequently missed the U20 AFCON, which Amajita went on to win.

Baartman is now back in the national set-up after being called up by Raymond Mdaka to the U23 squad for two international friendlies against Algeria in Bloemfontein this week.

He believes representing his country can have a major impact on a player’s career and is determined to continue improving.

“I think it started with the national team, COSAFA and AFCON,” Baartman said.

“I think I was with the team when we were preparing for it, but I got injured so I didn’t go to COSAFA, and I didn’t go to AFCON. So, I was just working and now we are back again.

“I think it’s always a good thing to play for your country, to represent them, and it’s big to play for the national team.

“It can also change your career playing for your national team. For me it’s to keep on working on getting better.”

Baartman’s latest call-up marks his return to international duty after the disappointment of missing out on two major youth tournaments.

The U23 side, known as Amaglug-glug, began their preparations against Algeria with a 3-1 victory in the first friendly on Thursday.

They will meet the North Africans again in Bloemfontein on Sunday, with South Africa aiming to complete a clean sweep of the two-match series.