Bartlett appointed Kaizer Chiefs assistant

Shaun Bartlett

Tuesday Dec 11, 2018. 13:00

Former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett has been appointed as the new Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach.

Bartlett takes over the position vacated by Patrick Mabedi who was sacked alongside Giovanni Solinas last Friday.

The Italian's contract was terminated following a slow start to the season for the Amakhosi who currently find themselves in seventh place on the Absa Premiership log standings. Chiefs also suffered defeat at the semifinal stage of both the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout.

Ernst Middendorp was duly roped into the head coaching position with the German making his return to Naturena having previously coached the club a decade ago.

Bartlett worked under Middendorp in the twilight of his playing career, having signed for Chiefs following a successful spell at then English Premier League club Charlton Athletic.

The 46-year-old ventured into coaching soon after hanging up his boots and most notable guided Golden Arrows to automatic promotion in the 2014-15 season.

He also served as head coach of AmaTuks while also assisting Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter in recent months before his appointment at Naturena.

“Shaun played under Middendorp at Chiefs,” commented Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung on Bartlett’s appointment via the club's official website. “We were looking for somebody with a stature at the coaching level. His technical understanding matched the profile we were looking for.

“He will bring with him a lot of international experience gained during his years playing in the US, Switzerland and England. We wish Shaun all the best in this new role at the club.”