Cape Town Spurs sack Bartlett

Shaun Bartlett was sacked on Monday by struggling Cape Town Spurs in a move expected after the club lost for a seventh time this season, in the derby against Cape Town City at the weekend.

Bartlett, 51, departs with the side have set a new record for the worst start to a new league season since the formation of the Premier soccer lfague in 1996.

“Following an extensive review and discussions with Shaun Bartlett and taking into consideration the current set of results, we have mutually agreed to the termination of the head coaches (sic) contract with immediate effect.

“The club wish to place on record our appreciation for Shaun’s work during his time at the club, most significantly promoting the club back to the PSL. We recognise this is not an easy decision for all parties, but it has been taken with the club's long-term interest at heart.

“Everyone at Cape Town Spurs wishes Shaun Bartlett all the best in his future coaching career. CEO Alexi Efstathiou and Technical Director Sean Connor have already begun the re-structure of the coaching set up at the club.

“A shortlist of candidates has been identified and an announcement is expected imminently.”

Bartlett, a member of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning side, led the club to promotion in his second full season at the club. He had previously won the National First Division as coach of Lamontville Golden Arrows and also worked in charge of University of Pretoria and TS Galaxy. He was also a long-time assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs.

Bartlett is the first firing of the new DStv Premiership, although there has already been a change at Golden Arrows when Vusimuzi Vilakazi left the co-coaching position he held with Mabhuti Khenyeza, who is now the solo coach.