If Amazulu and Moroka Swallows are ever looking for someone to give them advice on how to return to the Absa Premiership at the first time of asking, they should give Shaun Bartlett a ring.
Bartlett won promotion with Golden Arrows last term, just a season after the side was relegated from the top flight. Arrows had a fantastic start to the season, going the first 12 matches in the First Division unbeaten.
They kept eight clean sheets in those 12 matches and went on to win promotion with a new squad boasting talented players such as Andile Fikizolo, Nkanyiso Cele and Matome Mathiane.
That, however, was not enough to get Bartlett a contract extension at the club.
AmaZulu and Swallows begin their First Division campaigns tomorrow with matches against Witbank Spurs and Cape Town All Stars respectively. Both matches kick off at 3pm.
"It's going to be difficult for both teams. You have Black Leopards, Milano United, Vasco da Gama and Highlands Park. These guys have invested. They want to challenge for automatic promotion. I think there are eight teams that will challenge for automatic promotion this season," Bartlett said.
"AmaZulu and Swallows need to start well. In the first 12 matches we were without a loss and had eight clean sheets. They need to plan the season properly and also make sure that they win their matches away from home."
Bartlett believes AmaZulu's decision to keep Steve Barker as coach will give them an edge in the race for promotion. Barker could not save Usuthu from relegation after joining them in November last year.
"It's good for continuity. He has the core of the team and this will help AmaZulu. He also has the experience," said Bartlett.
NFD Fixtures (all 3pm)
TOMORROW: Black Leopards v Milano Utd, Thohoyandou; AmaZulu v Witbank Spurs, King Zwelithini Stadium; FC Cape Town v African Warriors, NNK Rugby Stadium; CT All Stars v Moroka Swallows, Athlone Stadium; Mbombela United v Thanda, Kanyamazane; Highlands Park v Royal Eagles, Makhulong Stadium
SUNDAY: Santos v Baroka, Athlone; Mthatha Bucks v Vasco, Mthatha Stadium
Bartlett's tips for Swallows and AmaZulu
If Amazulu and Moroka Swallows are ever looking for someone to give them advice on how to return to the Absa Premiership at the first time of asking, they should give Shaun Bartlett a ring.
Bartlett won promotion with Golden Arrows last term, just a season after the side was relegated from the top flight. Arrows had a fantastic start to the season, going the first 12 matches in the First Division unbeaten.
They kept eight clean sheets in those 12 matches and went on to win promotion with a new squad boasting talented players such as Andile Fikizolo, Nkanyiso Cele and Matome Mathiane.
That, however, was not enough to get Bartlett a contract extension at the club.
AmaZulu and Swallows begin their First Division campaigns tomorrow with matches against Witbank Spurs and Cape Town All Stars respectively. Both matches kick off at 3pm.
"It's going to be difficult for both teams. You have Black Leopards, Milano United, Vasco da Gama and Highlands Park. These guys have invested. They want to challenge for automatic promotion. I think there are eight teams that will challenge for automatic promotion this season," Bartlett said.
"AmaZulu and Swallows need to start well. In the first 12 matches we were without a loss and had eight clean sheets. They need to plan the season properly and also make sure that they win their matches away from home."
Bartlett believes AmaZulu's decision to keep Steve Barker as coach will give them an edge in the race for promotion. Barker could not save Usuthu from relegation after joining them in November last year.
"It's good for continuity. He has the core of the team and this will help AmaZulu. He also has the experience," said Bartlett.
NFD Fixtures (all 3pm)
TOMORROW: Black Leopards v Milano Utd, Thohoyandou; AmaZulu v Witbank Spurs, King Zwelithini Stadium; FC Cape Town v African Warriors, NNK Rugby Stadium; CT All Stars v Moroka Swallows, Athlone Stadium; Mbombela United v Thanda, Kanyamazane; Highlands Park v Royal Eagles, Makhulong Stadium
SUNDAY: Santos v Baroka, Athlone; Mthatha Bucks v Vasco, Mthatha Stadium
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