Luke Bartman is demonstrating outstanding form in the first two matches of the Betway Premiership season for Kaiser Chiefs. Wearing the famous gold and black kit of Kaiser Chiefs comes with special pressure, which has often suppressed promising young talents.
However, judging by the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, 20-year-old Luke Bartman possesses a strong character. After a brilliant game noted as the match's best player against Kruger United over the weekend, Bartman made his mark on the biggest stage of South African football, scoring his first goal for Amahorosi in a 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Wednesday evening.
This young talent is a graduate of the Cape Town Spurs academy. He appeared on the professional pitch in October 2023, debuting for Cape Town Spurs at the age of 17 against Orlando Pirates. His natural finishing ability and intelligent off-the-ball movement attracted attention when he scored his goal in the Premier League—ironically, against Kaiser Chiefs in November 2023.
Former Spurs coach Shaun Connor compared the teenager's playing style to that of Swedish legend Henrik Larsson. Despite early expectations, Bartman handled the pressure, representing South Africa at the U17 and U20 levels with distinction. Chiefs noticed this skillful blonde playmaker and signed him at the beginning of last season.
Nevertheless, the move to Naturena did not bring immediate dividends, as former coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef used Bartman sparingly. However, this did not stop Bartman; he focused on working on his physical fitness and waiting for his chance.
Now, in the 2026/27 campaign, the fruits of these efforts are being seen. Successful preseason training in Spain impressed the new coach Fernando da Cruz, opening doors for him in 2026. Da Cruz also noted that regardless of whether he plays in midfield or attacks defenders from the left flank, the young player will have a place in the team, especially since Bartman responded well to his advice.
Da Cruz emphasized: 'Modern footballers can play in many positions; it is important to give young players like Bartman more tools to play in different roles.' He added that 'the most important thing for him is the ability to read the game, to understand what to do in the situation he is playing in.' The coach also noted: 'He is a player with good technical qualities who is interesting, as well as a player with good explosive power when he plays football, a young player who listens to what the coaches ask, which is very important to me.' He concluded: 'The most important thing for young players is to listen to what the coach wants; sometimes young players act like experienced ones, so for me that is good, he understands what I want.'
Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi has attracted the attention of many global stars due to his skill at the young age of just 15. Now, the great Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has become a fan of his game. Lee dismissed discussions about Vaibhav's age as unfounded, emphasizing that what matters is not the player's age but his immense potential in cricket.
Brett Lee highly praised Vaibhav's aggressive style of play, his confidence against fast bowlers, and his mental resilience. He also speculated on the tactics he would use if he had to bowl against Vaibhav in his time. During a conversation on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel, Lee noted that outside of India, Vaibhav's age is most frequently discussed, but the former Australian fast bowler himself does not pay attention to it.
Brett Lee stated: 'He is incredible. Everyone outside of India asks if he is really 15 years old. I don't care how old he is. If he is 15, that's great, and if he is 17 or 18, what's the difference? This guy knows how to play cricket.' He called Vaibhav a remarkable find for Indian cricket and expressed hope for his future great achievements.
In IPL 2026, Vaibhav established himself with explosive batting. Even a fast bowling attack could not change his style of play. Brett Lee was particularly impressed by his performance of 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Lee noted that in that match, the fast bowlers were bowling at full speed, but Vaibhav fearlessly played short balls. In his opinion, the young batsman scores runs not only through power but also through correct cricketing shots.
According to Lee, the main challenge for Vaibhav in the future will not be his form or his game, but his ability to handle the fame and expectations that come at such a young age. He advised: 'The problem won't be his form or his game; it will be a matter of his mind. He needs to remain a child. Let him stay a child, and don't pressure him too much.'
Following a brilliant performance in the IPL, Vaibhav Suryavanshi earned a spot in the Indian T20 team. Although he did not achieve the expected success in international matches against England, he made an impressive comeback during the tour in Zimbabwe and became the 'Player of the Series.'
He was also asked how he would bowl against Vaibhav, who concerns world-class batsmen with his pace and bouncers. The former Australian fast bowler said that he enjoyed facing batsmen who played the hook and pull well. Such players made the test more exciting.
Lee mentioned that he would first analyze Vaibhav's game and then bowl bouncers aimed at the body. Even if Vaibhav managed to hit a six playing the hook, he would not back down and would check him again with a short ball next time.
The new head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Fernando da Cruz, aims to make an immediate impact as the team prepares for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. Chiefs will commence their season against the league newcomers, Kruger United, on Saturday, with Da Cruz striving for a successful start to his time at Naturena.
The Glamour Boys enter the new season with increased hope following a positive pre-season under the French manager. Da Cruz has already signaled his ambitions by stating that Chiefs intends to contend for every available trophy. Furthermore, he has overseen substantial squad restructuring, bringing in several new players to bolster the team while the club refines its offensive unit before the transfer window closes.
However, Chiefs will face a rigorous challenge from Kruger United, a side keen to make their top-flight debut with one of the most significant upsets in recent PSL history. The Village Boys earned promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and view the opening match against Chiefs as an ideal chance to challenge the Soweto giants before they fully adapt to the new coaching regime.
Abram Mongoya, the head coach, expressed that he would have preferred Chiefs as his inaugural opponent if the opportunity arose. Speaking at the PSL season launch, Mongoya noted, “A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it.” He added that the fixture is exciting for fans who have been anticipating such a match, and it offers a good platform for the players to display their skills, especially since TS Galaxy was the only team from their province featuring in top-flight football.
Mongoya suggested that the timing of the match might favor Kruger United, stating, “Getting a Chiefs side at a time where the coaches have not yet settled is a sort of perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.” His technical staff has thoroughly analyzed Chiefs' recent performances during their pre-season tour of Spain. They studied the previous three matches to understand how the team structures and alters its formations, preparing to impose their own style in the major league.
For Chiefs, the Saturday fixture presents a chance to establish an early dominance. Following a promising pre-season and an active transfer period, Da Cruz expects his squad to demonstrate an adoption of his tactical philosophy. Nevertheless, given Kruger United's confidence as a newly promoted side and their motivation to host one of the nation's largest clubs, Chiefs must avoid underestimating their rivals if they wish to secure three points to start the season.
The club has also remained active in the transfer market to enhance the squad for the upcoming season. They have secured the signing of Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, adding another dynamic attacking option after his successful campaign in the Cape Winelands. Phili joins Naturena, having swapped Stellenbosch, as Chiefs targeted him as one of the country's top young talents.
The reshaping of the frontline continues, as Glody Lilepo is reportedly exploring other options, following confirmation from Da Cruz that the DR Congo international is looking elsewhere. Additionally, midfielder Thabo Cele has been informed that he is not included in the coach's plans, while Chiefs continue seeking reinforcements, with Da Cruz publicly mentioning targets for a striker, wingers, and an attacking midfielder. This ongoing transfer activity highlights the club's commitment to equipping the new coach with a roster capable of competing seriously across all competitions this season.
