{
  "id": 1896849,
  "title": "Chiefs’ Baartman thankful for chance to shine at Amakhosi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/chiefs-baartman-thankful-for-chance-to-shine-at-amakhosi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T08:31:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/chiefs-baartman-thankful-chance-shine-amakhosi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kaizer Chiefs' young forward Luke Baartman is expressing his gratitude for the confidence shown by the club's new coaching staff this season. The 20-year-old has been a vital player in Amakhosi's impressive start to the Betway Premiership under French coach Fernando Da Cruz. In three league games so far, Baartman has started every match and scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 home victory against Sekhukhune. Reflecting on the season's beginning, Baartman told his team's media, \"It's been a good start, and it's always wonderful to kick off on a high note, which helps build the team's momentum.\" He expressed his appreciation to the coach and his technical team, crediting them for the opportunity to play and believing in his abilities. Scoring that goal was a proud moment for him, and he aims to score many more. Baartman joined Kaizer Chiefs last season on a free transfer, Capitalizing on their availability following Cape Town Spurs' relegation. Making just seven appearances last season, he now looks like a key part of Da Cruz's plans, even trusted to start against African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Amakhosi's early exit from the MTN8 remains their only disappointment, giving Da Cruz more preparation time for a visit to Richards Bay FC on August 26. The club has also loaned goalkeeper Bontle Molefe and midfielder Samkelo Zwane to new Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hope FC.",
  "summary": "'I am grateful to my teammates for helping me to get my first goal and I wish to score many more,' Baartman told Chiefs media.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}