A Cape Town teenager who survived a shooting in May looks set to make his dream debut as a professional footballer.
On 22 May 2023, 17-year-old Luke Baartman and two of his friends, Rimano Kennedy and Edwin Lottering, found themselves in the midst of a harrowing shooting incident in Cape Town.
The three teenagers were walking to a local shop. Kennedy was struck in the thigh, Lottering through the leg, and Baartman suffered a minor injury as a bullet grazed his thigh.
Sadly, Baartman’s friends had to abandon their soccer dreams due to their injuries until they fully recovered.
Before this unsavoury event, Baartman received the Player of the Tournament award at the Bayhill Premier Cup. That was followed by a call-up to the South African Under 17 team that went to the AFCON.
Now, Baartman is set to make his debut for Cape Town Spurs. The talented teenager is in line to debut for Spurs against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup.
DREAM DEBUT LOOMING FOR CAPE TOWN TEENAGER
This comes on the back of his incredible run in Spurs’ DStv Diski Challenge side. He has bagged six goals in his first five matches of the season. His first taste of senior football was in a friendly match against Cape Town City.
Baartman, who can play on either wing and through the middle, travelled with the Spurs’ first team for the first time.
The teenager, affectionately known as ‘Boere’, expressed his excitement and nerves about the upcoming match against Pirates.
“Yes, I’ve been included in the travelling squad for the game against Orlando Pirates,” Baartman told FARPost.
“I’m feeling excited and maybe I will play, you never know. But I’ll be patient and wait for my chance. I think my inclusion is down to hard work and my performance.
“Playing Pirates. Yes, I’m a bit nervous, but it would be a dream come true to make my debut against them.”
As Spurs hope to turn their fortunes around in the DStv Premiership, Baartman’s journey serves as an inspiring one.
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