TONIGHT's game against Black Leopards could be the last in a Kaizer Chiefs jersey for goalkeeper Arthur Bartman, so he will be hoping to make it a memorable one.
Bartman, 40, is contemplating hanging up his gloves at the end of the season.
Tonight he will be in goal in the place of first choice Itumeleng Khune, who was injured in a clash of heads with Lamontville Golden Arrows' Thamsanqa Gabuza last Wednesday.
Khune is likely to be fit by Saturday, when Chiefs meet Platinum Stars, and to see out the rest of the season - barring further injury - so tonight's game could be the last for Bartman.
The veteran shot stopper has been playing second fiddle to Khune. He is called upon only when the Chiefs No 1 is injured or on Bafana Bafana duty.
Bartman was signed as an emergency goalkeeper when Chiefs had a problem in that position in August 2009. But he wants to end his career on a high.
"It feels good to be back again, but unfortunately it came when Khune got hurt," said Bartman yesterday.
"I am always up for the challenge and if we win things this season, then it's easier for me to make a decision regarding my future."
Chiefs are still in the running for the Premiership title and the Nedbank Cup, having reached the quarterfinals of the competition with the 4-0 win on Saturday night against Leopards.
Bartman has been linked with a coaching job at Chiefs should he quit at the end of the season.
"That is my passion and something I would love to do," the former Bay United keeper said.
He believes Chiefs could be short of quality goalkeepers if he retires - something that has led to him to delay contract negotiations.
"But they always manage to find suitable replacements and they have Thela (Ngobeni) who is young and could fill that role quite well," Bartman said.
Tomorrow's fixtures are:
Loftus: Sundowns vs Arrows, Dobsonville: Moroka Swallows vs Bidvest Wits, Athlone: Santos vs Platinum Stars, Sinaba: Jomo Cosmos vs Ajax Cape Town, Charles Mopeli: Free State Stars vs Bloemfontein Celtic, Moses Mabhida Stadium: AmaZulu vs Orlando Pirates, and Harry Gwala: Maritzburg Utd vs SuperSport United.
l All matches start at 7.30pm.
Is this the end of line for Bartman?
TONIGHT's game against Black Leopards could be the last in a Kaizer Chiefs jersey for goalkeeper Arthur Bartman, so he will be hoping to make it a memorable one.
Bartman, 40, is contemplating hanging up his gloves at the end of the season.
Tonight he will be in goal in the place of first choice Itumeleng Khune, who was injured in a clash of heads with Lamontville Golden Arrows' Thamsanqa Gabuza last Wednesday.
Khune is likely to be fit by Saturday, when Chiefs meet Platinum Stars, and to see out the rest of the season - barring further injury - so tonight's game could be the last for Bartman.
The veteran shot stopper has been playing second fiddle to Khune. He is called upon only when the Chiefs No 1 is injured or on Bafana Bafana duty.
Bartman was signed as an emergency goalkeeper when Chiefs had a problem in that position in August 2009. But he wants to end his career on a high.
"It feels good to be back again, but unfortunately it came when Khune got hurt," said Bartman yesterday.
"I am always up for the challenge and if we win things this season, then it's easier for me to make a decision regarding my future."
Chiefs are still in the running for the Premiership title and the Nedbank Cup, having reached the quarterfinals of the competition with the 4-0 win on Saturday night against Leopards.
Bartman has been linked with a coaching job at Chiefs should he quit at the end of the season.
"That is my passion and something I would love to do," the former Bay United keeper said.
He believes Chiefs could be short of quality goalkeepers if he retires - something that has led to him to delay contract negotiations.
"But they always manage to find suitable replacements and they have Thela (Ngobeni) who is young and could fill that role quite well," Bartman said.
Tomorrow's fixtures are:
Loftus: Sundowns vs Arrows, Dobsonville: Moroka Swallows vs Bidvest Wits, Athlone: Santos vs Platinum Stars, Sinaba: Jomo Cosmos vs Ajax Cape Town, Charles Mopeli: Free State Stars vs Bloemfontein Celtic, Moses Mabhida Stadium: AmaZulu vs Orlando Pirates, and Harry Gwala: Maritzburg Utd vs SuperSport United.
l All matches start at 7.30pm.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos