By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Premier Soccer League side Cape Town Spurs have announced the departure of Shaun Bartlett as head coach with immediate effect.
The 50-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach engineered Spurs’ Premier Soccer League promotion at the end of the 2022/23.
Spurs suffered a seventh straight defeat since the start of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, losing 3-1 to rivals Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
“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 coach’s contract with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement released on Monday morning.
“Despite this difficult decision, the club expressed its appreciation for Bartlett’s contributions during his tenure, particularly in the significant achievement of promoting the club back to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“The club wishes 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.”
The decision to part ways with Bartlett was not made lightly and was guided by the club’s long-term interests.
The club acknowledged that this would not be easy for all parties involved. However, they expressed their well-wishes for Bartlett’s future coaching career, signalling their gratitude and respect for his time at the helm of Cape Town Spurs.
Spurs have already short-listed Bartlett’s successors to help the team get off the bottom of the table.