Kaizer Chiefs' new signing Luke Baartman compared to Mamelodi Sundowns star - 'He plays with the intelligence of Themba Zwane, he reminds me of Andres Iniesta'

A former coach of Luke Baartman at Cape Town Spurs, Benson Mhlongo, has likened Kaizer Chiefs' new signing Luke Baartman to Mamelodi Sundowns' Themba Zwane.

Apart from Zwane's comparison, the coach has also likened the new Glamour Boy to former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta.

"What I appreciate most is that he is not just another young player who aims to entertain the supporters. He plays with the intelligence of Themba Zwane. It was a privilege to coach him and witness his special talent firsthand," Mhlongo told KickOff.

"It has been too long since we've seen such a player; he reminds me of Iniesta from FC Barcelona. Baartman is undoubtedly a refreshing talent," he added.

However, the tactician has asked Chiefs to be patient with Baartman in order for the new signing to realise his full potential.

"I can describe Luke Baartman as a new sensation—one of the rare intelligent players at his age. He is very smart," Mhlongo continued. 

"I just hope Kaizer Chiefs will be patient with him because he doesn't show much work rate at training; he is more calculative. While others may be running at full speed, he takes a more measured approach. However, he creates moments reminiscent of legends like Shoes Moshoeu and Jabu Pule. Baartman is a player with international potential," he added.

Mhlongo has asked Baartman to work on his stamina so that he can be as effective as Pirates' Mofokeng.

"Those who understand football know that such players are strategic in their play. They act when necessary. On the field, Baartman will indeed bring magic. I hope he works on his stamina, and soon he could find himself alongside players like Relebohile Mofokeng in the national team," he stated.

"I admire Baartman’s fighting spirit. He can jump and challenge and never shies away from 50/50 situations. He’s brilliant with the ball, can score goals, and is an excellent finisher."

Baartman is among the latest additions to the Chiefs squad, but his move to Naturena was the subject of an intense legal tussle.

His former club, Cape Town Spurs, objected to his move to Chiefs, arguing that he still had a running contract with them. However, Baartman was finally declared a free agent and signed with the Soweto giants.

Given how good a player he was for Spurs, Chiefs hope that Baartman will show the same energy and performance.

Competition for starting slots at Chiefs is stiff, and Baartman must pull up his socks to earn the trust of his coaches.