Former Bafana Bafana international, Shaun Bartlett has joined TS Galaxy Football Club as an assistant coach to Owen Da Gama.
Bartlett was currently clubless after parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs last season where he served on an identical capacity under the tutelage of Ernst Middendorp.
Da Gama took over the coaching reins from Zipho Dlangalala last week at TS Galaxy and led the club for the first time this past weekend against Chippa United at Mbombela Stadium.
Bartlett has worked with Da Gama previously in the SA Under-23 side. The duo also worked together at Bloemfontein Celtic when Bartlett was still a player.
Da Gama opened up about his decision to rope in Bartlett to his technical team.
“I recommended Shaun because I’ve worked with him in the past. I coached him at Bloemfontein Celtic when he came back from overseas. I also worked with him as an assistant in the Under-23. 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,” Da Gama elaborated.
Bartlett is not a novice in the coaching fraternity. Few years ago, he promoted Lamontville Golden Arrows in to the elite league of South African football from GladAfrica Championship.
He also served as the head coach of Pretoria University.
“I’m happy that he is on board. Now, it is all systems goes. Together with coach, Essau Mtsweni, Ashley Makhanya and Phuphu Mohlaba, I believe that we will steer this team in to greater heights. It might take time but we will eventually get there,” Da Gama stated.
The experience of Bartlett will be valuable to the Rockets.
“I’m delighted to join the club. I’m looking forward to the opportunity and to the prospect of getting the club higher on the league table,” Bartlett explained.
Bartlett is second in the list of strikers with most goals for Bafana Bafana
“It is good to reunite with coach, Owen Da Gama. TS Galaxy is a good club in a sense that you can grow as a coach. Being new on the league means that whatever that you do get recognized. We have to get the club as high as possible on the log,” Bartlett detailed.
He will be on the bench on Wednesday when we square off against Maritzburg United in the DSTV Premiership encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.