KAIZER Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has described the late Authur Bartman as a humble soul who was never bothered playing second fiddle to him, despite his age, during his time at Naturena.
Bartman, who was due to turn 47 yesterday, died on 19 March.
He left an opening at his former club Maritzburg United, who were rallying behind him as a young goalkeeper coach until November last year.
His death is said to have been caused by meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Khune, during Bartman’s memorial service at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall yesterday, said the deceased was always helpful on and off the field.
“He was selfless in everything. There were times when Rainer Dinkelacker (ex-Chiefs goalkeeper coach) wouldn’t come to work but he would take over the goalkeeper coach duties on the day and train us. He would make us better goalkeepers.’’
Bartman won the Rothmans Cup in his first stint in 1997-2000 with Chiefs, and his soccer career spanned for about 20 years.
But the biggest highlight of his career as a player was in the 2009-10 season when Chiefs won the Telkom Knockout trophy in Durban by defeating Ajax Cape Town in the final at the then Absa Stadium under Vladimir Vermezovic. At the time Khune was away with Bafana playing in a series of pre-Fifa World Cup friendlies in Brazil, and also in Germany.
Following his heroics in that TKO, Bartman was named Player of the Tournament for keeping three clean sheets. He also took home a few Chiefs’ awards, including a Nissan car.
Bartman made his professional football debut for African Wanderers against Moroka Swallows on 19 March 1995. Ironically, it’s the same day, same month he died.
Despite having played for Chiefs twice, Wanderers twice, Bush Bucks, SuperSport United, Free State Stars, Dynamos, Bay United, Maritzburg and Golden Arrows, he was unfortunate not to have played for Bafana Bafana.
His last game in the PSL was on 10 May 2014 against Pirates at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium where Abafana Bes’Thende lost 3-1.
Bartman leaves behind a daughter, one granddaughter, nine brothers and sisters.
He’ll be laid to rest on Saturday in East London.
