Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has weighed in on reports linking Cape Town Spurs duo Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi with a move to Naturena, offering a brutally honest assessment of the two players – and where he believes they would truly thrive.
Speaking candidly, Khanye made it clear that between the two, Baartman is the player he believes Chiefs should prioritise – though he would actually prefer to see the teenage forward in Orlando Pirates colours.
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“Out of the two Cape Town Spurs players Chiefs are reportedly targeting, I really hope they succeed in signing Baartman – he’s got the qualities to do well at the club. I’m not as convinced by Velebayi,” Khanye said, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
“Look, I know there’s a lot of hype around him, but in my opinion, he’s not the kind of player who would shine at Chiefs. He’s done well for Cape Town Spurs and could fit in at other teams, but Chiefs? I don’t see it.”
Khanye cautioned that Chiefs have seen talented players arrive at the club only to underperform under the weight of expectations.
“We’ve seen it before with players like Ranga Chivaviro, Lebogang Manyama and others. They looked good at their previous clubs but couldn’t replicate that form at Chiefs. That’s what I fear with Velebayi,” he explained.
However, when it comes to Baartman, the outspoken analyst sees real promise.
“Baartman is young, he’s talented, and for me, he’s got the potential to become one of the best. I think he would improve a lot at a big club. But honestly, I’d rather see him join Pirates than Chiefs,” Khanye said.
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“I believe he would thrive playing alongside players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Tito Maswanganyi and others at Pirates. At Chiefs, I feel he might struggle like we’re currently seeing with talented youngsters such as Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi – they seem to be under pressure and haven’t fully settled.”
Khanye concluded by saying Baartman would be a better fit for the Buccaneers, where he believes the environment would allow him to hit the ground running.
