Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2019/20 treble champions, have been declared as the DStv Premiership Q-Innovation Quarter One Winners.
After the first eight matches in the DStv Premiership, both Sundowns and second placed Swallows FC finished on 18 points each but the former enjoyed a superior goal difference and were thus crowned Q1 winners.
SuperSport United (16 points) and Cape Town City (15 points) finished third and fourth respectively.
Meanwhile TS Galaxy have confirmed the appointment of former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett as assistant coach to Owen da Gama.
Bartlett joins having served in the same position at Kaizer Chiefs last season, before leaving Naturena along with Ernst Middendorp when the club lost the league title on the final day of the season to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Da Gama and Bartlett have a long history together, with the former having coached the ex-striker at Bloemfontein Celtic, before they worked together with the national Under-23 side.
“I recommended Shaun because I’ve worked with him in the past,” Da Gama said. “I coached him at Bloemfontein Celtic when he came back from overseas. I also worked with him as an assistant in the Under-23. I know his talent and his commitment to the game.
“Most importantly I admire his work ethic. I know almost all his characteristics. We have to work very hard now. He understands the South African game very well.
“I’m happy that he is on board. Now, it is all systems goes. Together with coach Essau Mtsweni, Ashley Makhanya and Phuphu Mohlaba, I believe that we will steer this team in to greater heights. It might take time but we will eventually get there, “Da Gama added.
Bartlett has previously worked as a head coach at Lamontville Golden Arrows, who he helped to promotion to the top-flight, and University of Pretoria.