Bartlett seems on his way out
2008-05-13 15:41
Johannesburg - Is the once blissful and envious marriage between Kaizer Chiefs and their star striker Shaun Bartlett coming to a sudden end?
Although it had been public knowledge that his two-year contract expires at the end of June, what will come as a shock to the club's legion of supporters is that the team does not seem keen to extend the contract.
And the former Cape Town Spurs and Charlton Athletic striker admitted on Tuesday that he does not see himself playing any role in the club anymore when his contract expires at the end of June.
This is enough to prick the ears of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns although SuperSport United are also said to be very keen admirers of the Cape Town born striker and would be interested in bringing him on board to lend some experience to their young squad.
According to the 36-year-old clean living Bartlett who spends time analysing matches on SuperSport when his duties allows him, club coach Muhsin Ertugral wants him to stay on and fortify the club's technical team that also includes Fani Madida.
But he was dead against it and feels his legs can still carry him for another season at least before he can consider hanging up his illustrious boots. And Ertugral confirmed talking to management regarding Bartlett's future and emphasized that he wanted the player to stay on.
I think we had a great time
However, while Ertugral wants him to add value to his technical team, the player insists that he still wants to give it another go at least for another season in top flight football before calling it a day.
"It is my wish to play under Ertugral who somehow believes in me," said Bartlett. "I think we had a great time together especially this season, added Bartlett.
And while the two hold different views regarding his future, the former Colorado Rapids in (USA) and Charlton Athletic in (England) is yet to get an official word from the club regarding whether they will keep him within the club or would let him go.
But our highly placed sources at the club revealed that management declined the coach proposal and it appears as if the relationship has cooled down somewhat and the club is uncertain about extending his contract.
And there are strong rumours that the former Bafana Bafana player could actually move to champion chasing SuperSport United who could lose Katlego Mphela and would need strong and experienced players to take on the continent next year should they win the league championship or end as runners-up.
But despite rumours linking him to several clubs, the player declined to comment about where his next stop would be and said he is waiting for his business manager Glynn Binkin to map out his future.