Spurs’ teenager Baartman opens his DStv Premiership account

Teenager Luke Baartman announced his arrival on the big stage on Wednesday night when he became the second youngest goal-scorer in the DStv Premiership with a 90th minute goal against Kaizer Chiefs.

Chiefs won the game 3-2, but that didn’t take the shine out of the young man’s night.

The 17-year-old striker, who has less than a handful of senior appearances to his name, is one of the most talked about young players in the country.

His arrival on the big stage is a boost for South African football, which is seeing a number of talented teenagers being given opportunities in the top-flight.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Siyabonga Mabena, just 16, became the youngest goal-scorer in the league earlier this season.

Cape Town Spurs’ Technical Director Sean Connor lauded Luke Baartman for his brief appearance in the team’s 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates on 2 November.

Baartman, who has been the subject of significant discussion in recent weeks, ever since being brought in to train with the Spurs first team, has grabbed his chances with both hands.

Prior to his promotion, Baartman had enjoyed a stellar start to the DStv Diski Challenge season, finding the back of the net six times in just five matches.

Recently, the striker played a crucial role for the Spurs’ u18 team, scoring the deciding goal in his side’s 2-1 victory over Matroosfontein FC in the Coke Cup.