Ex-Kaizer Chiefs forward tells Cape Town Spurs sensation Luke Baartman to snub Amakhosi and join Orlando Pirates - 'He would thrive playing with Relebohile Mofokeng and Tito Maswanganyi'

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Junior Khanye has advised Luke Baartman to consider joining Orlando Pirates and not Amakhosi.

Chiefs have been linked with both Baartman and Asanele Velebayi, but Khanye rates the former more than the latter; however, he would like him not to join his former club.

“Out of the two Cape Town Spurs players Chiefs are reportedly targeting, I really hope they succeed in signing Baartman – he’s got the qualities to do well at the club. I’m not as convinced by Velebayi,” Khanye told Soccer Laduma.

“Look, I know there’s a lot of hype around him, but in my opinion, he’s not the kind of player who would shine at Chiefs. He’s done well for Cape Town Spurs and could fit in at other teams, but Chiefs? I don’t see it," he added.

“We’ve seen it before with players like Ranga Chivaviro, Lebogang Manyama, and others. They looked good at their previous clubs but couldn’t replicate that form at Chiefs. That’s what I fear with Velebayi."

The retired Bafana Bafana forward believes the teenager will thrive at Bucs because of the players there.

“Baartman is young, he’s talented, and for me, he’s got the potential to become one of the best. I think he would improve a lot at a big club. But honestly, I’d rather see him join Pirates than Chiefs,” he added.

“I believe he would thrive playing alongside players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Tito Maswanganyi, and others at Pirates. At Chiefs, I feel he might struggle like we’re currently seeing with talented youngsters such as Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi – they seem to be under pressure and haven’t fully settled.”

Cape Town Spurs were relegated to amateur football last season after finishing 15th in the National First Division standings.

They now face the challenge of keeping their key players who are pushing to leave and sign for other clubs.

It is understood that Baartman and Velebayi have taken the matter to the Premier Soccer League’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) as they push to terminate their contracts with Spurs and join Kaizer Chiefs as free agents.

They base their arguments on NSL rules; the rule outlines that if a club falls outside the top two professional leagues, the Premier Soccer League and National First Division, its players are considered free agents.

This particular legal provision allows Baartman, Velebayi, and others who want to leave to do so freely.

Since the case has not been determined, Chiefs are kept waiting before they press forward and sign the two players linked with moves to Naturena.

Amakhosi have already strengthened considerably, and Baartman and Velebayi are expected to be part of them too next season.