Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. has outlined the club’s ambition to secure the best young talent in the country after securing Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman.
The Amakhosi pounced to bring in both Velebayi and Baartman to Naturena after the former Cape Town Spurs duo were declared free agents after Spurs were relegated from the National First Division to the ABC Motsepe League.
Velebayi (22) and Baartman (19) along with fellow new signing striker Etiosa Ighodaro were unveiled during halftime of Chief’s Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
Chiefs went on to claim a 1-0 victory – their third successive win of the new campaign.
“We’re very excited and we always had a clear strategy about getting the best young talent,” Motaung Jr. told SuperSport.
“I mean, you look at Luke, he’s 19. Asanele is also 21 (sic). We’ve targeted them specifically, but we know they’ve got big characters. I think it’s all about the specific players we need for how we want to play.”
The former Chiefs striker, however, issued a cautious warning that the Amakhosi faithful need to be patient with the youngsters as they adapt to the pressures of playing at the Soweto giants.
“We know the young talents with Baartman and Velebayi and are excited to unleash them with the fans,” Motaung Jr. said.
“But at the same time, they need some time to understand who we are. This process hasn’t been easy. I think it’s important because the environment they need to come into and gel and understand.
“The squad is picking up, but it’s still very much a work in progress. I think for me, they’ll need time. Velebayi and Baartman will need time.”
Motaung Jr. was keen to see Nigerian frontman Ighodaro get into his work immediately though.
“He will hit the ground running. I think he’s a good number nine. He’s got lots of goals in him,” he said.
“With the type of offensive midfielders that Kaizer Chiefs have, you give Ighodaro the supply, he’ll get you the goals.
“When I look at the three signings, I’m thinking he can hit the ground running. Velebayi will get opportunities nice and early and Baartman is one for the future.”
Chiefs are currently second on the Betway Premiership table with nine points behind Sekhukhune United, who top the log due to a superior goal differential.
