Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the signing of young forward Luke Baartman, marking him as the club’s ninth new acquisition for the 2025/26 season.
The move comes after the Premier Soccer League Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in favor of the player, declaring him a free agent.
Read: Betway Premiership Round-Up
The ruling was a result of Cape Town Spurs being relegated from the professional ranks of the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
According to NSL rules, a club’s demotion to amateur status releases its players from their professional contracts. This is the second such case for Kaizer Chiefs, who secured Baartman’s former Spurs teammate, Asanele Velebayi, under similar circumstances just last week.
A Busy Transfer Window
Baartman’s unveiling was part of a double announcement by the Soweto giants on Tuesday. Chiefs wrote on social media: “Kaizer Chiefs are pleased to confirm the signing of another forward, Luke Baartman, making him the Club’s ninth signing of the 2025/26 season.
“The 19-year-old junior international joins Amakhosi from Cape Town Spurs.”
Earlier in the day, Chiefs confirmed the signing of Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro on a two-year deal with an option for an additional season. Ighodaro joins the club after a season on loan with SuperSport United, where he impressed with his goal-scoring ability.
Kaizer Motaung Jr., the club’s sporting director, expressed his excitement about the new arrivals. “We warmly welcome Etiosa into the Kaizer Chiefs family,” he said.
“We’re excited that he has joined our journey. His passion, work rate, and dedication will surely add to the team this season and beyond.”
“We look forward to creating unforgettable moments together in the Gold & Black colours of the Glamour Boys. Here’s to new beginnings and the spirit of Amakhosi.”
Perfect Start to the Season
The new signings join a squad that is currently enjoying a perfect start to the Betway Premiership season. On Tuesday evening, Kaizer Chiefs secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Richards Bay at FNB Stadium. This latest win continues their perfect start to the season and they will now set their sights on a major test.
Amakhosi will look to maintain their winning streak when they face defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium next Wednesday. This highly anticipated clash will be a true measure of their title aspirations and the impact of their new-look squad.