Kaizer Chiefs have provided an update on forward Luke Baartman, who picked up an injury while on SA Under-23 national duty against Algeria over the weekend.
The Glamour Boys are set to host Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership tie on Tuesday, 13 October, at the FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.
Amakhosi return to domestic action following a three-week hiatus from competitive football due to the recently concluded FIFA international break.
The Fernando da Cruz-led side currently occupy fourth position on the Betway Premiership standings with 13 points from seven matches. The Soweto giants will be determined to maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign when they welcome Gavin Hunt’s side to the Calabash. While they remain unbeaten, back-to-back draws mean they will be desperate for all three points at home against Stellies to stay within touching distance of the title pacesetters.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ MEDICAL TEAM MONITORING LUKE BAARTMAN
Baartman picked up an injury on Sunday while representing the South Africa Under-23 national team in their second international friendly against Algeria. The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The former Cape Town Spurs star was among three Chiefs players called up to the Amaglug-glug squad for the friendly matches against Algeria. Midfielders Mfundo Vilakazi and Faiz Abrahams were also included in the squad.
Abrahams found the back of the net in South Africa’s 3-1 victory in the first fixture, before a late goal-bound effort was cleared off the line in the second match.
The international friendlies form part of coach Raymond Mdaka’s preparation for the upcoming 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Amakhosi confirmed that Baartman is under the close supervision of the club’s medical team, with further assessments pending before a final call is made on his availability.
“Kaizer Chiefs have welcomed back three players who were away on duty with the South African U-23 national team, adding depth and energy to the squad,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The medical team is closely monitoring Luke Baartman after he picked up an injury, and updates on his progress, along with other sidelined players, will be shared ahead of the clash.”
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