Kaizer Chiefs and South Africa U23 midfielder Luke Baartman believes regular game time at club level has been key to maintaining his place in the national team.

The 20-year-old has had an impressive breakthrough campaign at Amakhosi and has become a regular in their setup, which has earned him a call-up to the U23 national team for their friendlies against Algeria.

Amaglug-glug are set to face the North African side in two friendlies on Wednesday, 30 September and Saturday, 3 October.

Baartman says representing both Chiefs and South Africa has given his career fresh momentum, but he knows he must continue working hard to earn opportunities.

“It has been a great start for me, playing all the games so far in the league. Now it’s just up to me to keep on working and keep on getting game time,” Baartman told the media.

“If I don’t play, I’m not going to get called up.

“Playing for a big club like Chiefs, it’s massive. And where I come from, in Cape Town, it’s also very big to play for a club like Chiefs.

“I was with the team when we prepared for COSAFA and the Africa Cup of Nations, but I got injured. I worked hard and went to the FIFA World Cup. Now we’re back again.

“You can change your career when you play for your national team. Now I’ve just got to keep on working and getting better and better.”