Shaun Bartlett has been reunited with Ernst Middendorp at Kaizer Chiefs.
The former Bafana Bafana striker played under the German coach at Amakhosi between 2006 and 2008.
And now Bartlett will play the role as assistant coach to Middendorp as they look to turn the fortunes of the Soweto club around after the sacking of Giovanni Solinas last Friday with the club in seventh place in the PSL.
The Cape Town football legend’s new career was revealed on Monday evening, which sees him take up a permanent post after helping out South Africa national team boss Stuart Baxter.
Chiefs team manager Bobby Motaung says: “His technical understanding matched the profile we were looking for.
Kaizer Chiefs Press Conference - 10 December 2018 https://t.co/4uDRu4GA3S #KCPressCon #Amakhosi4Life #HailTheChief
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) December 12, 2018
“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.”
Bartlett and Middendorp will tackle their first assignment on Wednesday night when they host SuperSport United on Wednesday at the Mbombela Stadium (7.30 pm kickoff).
And Middendorp is keen to make a better fist of it in his second stint at Chiefs after leading the club to the then SAA Supa8 trophy and Absa Cup.
BIG BOSS: Ernst Middendorp. Photo: MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX
The former Chippa, Maritzburg United and Bloem Celtic boss says: “I didn’t need a lot of time to think about it when the call came, because I know the club is very professional, and I feel having some unfinished business at the club, even though we won two trophies between 2005 and 2007.”
Bartlett factbox:
Full name:
Thurston Shaun Bartlett
Date of birth:
31 October 1972 (age 46)
Place of birth:
Cape Town, South Africa
Coaching career
Golden Arrows assistant coach (2012–2016)
AmaTuks head coach (2016-2018)
Bafana assistant coach (2018 for two games)
Middendorp factbox:
Full name:
Ernst Johannes Middendorp
Date of birth:
October 28, 1958 (age 60)
Place of birth:
Freren, Germany
Selected former clubs coached
Maritzburg United (2009–2011 and 2012–2013)
Golden Arrows (2011)
Bloemfontein Celtic (2013–2014)
Chippa United (2015–2016)