Da Cruz impressed by Baartman’s quality and eagerness to learn

Speaking after last night’s 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, where Baartman scored his first goal in Chiefs colours. 

The young Baartman has now started the first three matches of the season for Chiefs, and this shows Da Cruz’s belief in him...

"Baartman is a player with good technical qualities and he has a good positive attitude when he plays football. He is a young coach that listens to what the coach wants from him, and that's the most important thing for any young player."

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AmaKhosi’s second goal was scored by substitute Mduduzi Shabalala, after a well-laid assist from fellow sub Siphesihle Ndlovu. The win sees Chiefs maintain top spot with six points from their first two league matches. 

Baartman can fill any role in the offensive zone. Whether as a 10, an inverted winger, or even as an 8 or a false nine. With years of working with youngsters in France, Belgium and Morocco, Da Cruz has revealed more on where he sees Baartman playing...

"Modern football these days is all about players who can play in different positions, and for a young player like Baartman it's important to give him different tools to be able to play in different positions. He must read the game to be able to know what he has to do in each and every specific situation."

After what was a highly tactical affair in the first half, with the two teams playing in patches in the cold weather, Da Cruz was happy to see his team return with maximum points, bouncing back from the 1-0 defeat in the MTN8 against Golden Arrows last Sunday.

After a dull first half, Chiefs turned on the style in the second half, with man of the match and new signing Langelihle Phili growing in confidence, while being well protected by Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa. 

Da Cruz says what is important for him is the balance between playing good football and picking up good results...