Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Bartlett underlines expectations at TS Galaxy

Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Shaun Bartlett is looking forward to a new challenge after being given the job of Owen da Gama’s right-hand man at Premier Soccer League newcomers TS Galaxy.

Da Gama himself has only been with the club since last week - he took over from interim coach Zipho Dlangalala, following the departure of Dan Malesela last month.

Da Gama’s first match in charge resulted in a 1-0 defeat to Dan Malesela’s Chippa United side on Saturday, a result which has left the Rockets at the foot of the PSL table.

Bartlett is however upbeat about joining Galaxy, who won the Nedbank Cup in 2019 by beating Kaizer Chiefs, while still playing in the second-tier of South African soccer.

“I’m delighted and excited about the opportunity given to me by owner Tim Sukazi and TS Galaxy football club," he said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge – even though it's a new club in the PSL I know there is great expectation and there is a lot of goals to achieve and I want to be part of that process.

“And along with the technical team and head coach Owen da Gama, we are hoping to achieve that in the very near future.

“I’m very excited about working with coach Owen again and hopefully we will start getting the results and make the fans proud of the club that it is, and even the brand of football that we will be playing – ensuring getting results and competing for silverware.”

Former Bafana Bafana, Cape Town Spurs, FC Zurich (Switzerland), Charlton Athletic (England), Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs marksman Bartlett worked alongside Ernst Middendorp as Amakhosi’s assistant coach. He also had a stint in charge of AmaTuks, and earned promotion with Golden Arrows from the First Division to the top-flight in 2015.

Da Gama is looking forward to reuniting with Bartlett, having worked together previously.

"I recommended Shaun because I've worked with him in the past,” Da Gama said, as per a statement from the club.

“I coached him at Bloemfontein Celtic when he came back from overseas. I also worked with him as an assistant in the Under-23s.

“I know his talent and his commitment to the game. Most importantly I admire his work ethic. I know almost all his characteristics. We have to work very hard now. He understands the South African game very well.”