Shaun Bartlett (born 31 October 1972) is a South African professional football manager and former player who is the manager of Cape Town Spurs. During his playing career, he played as a striker.

Early life

Born in Cape Town, Bartlett was raised by his grandmother in Factreton on the Cape Flats. He began playing for his church team and quickly developed a deft striking ability on the field. He was also a talented cricketer.

Club career

Bartlett began his career with his hometown Cape Town Spurs and then moved to Major League Soccer and the Colorado Rapids in the league's inaugural season in 1996. Halfway through the 1997 season, he was traded to the MetroStars on 10 July. Bartlett left MLS, without leaving much of a mark and returned to his home country. He later went on loan to FC Zürich and then transferring there for good in 1998. He went on loan to Charlton Athletic in 2000, and moved there in 2001 on a permanent deal worth £2 million. Bartlett won the Premier League Goal of the Season award in 2000–01, for his volley against Leicester City. He was released by the club in May 2006. Bartlett then returned to South Africa signing with Kaizer Chiefs and in the summer of 2008 retired from professional football. After several discussions, he then made a return to football with Bloemfontein Celtic.

International career

Bartlett made his full international debut for the South Africa national team in a friendly against Lesotho on 26 April 1995. He is the second all-time leading scorer behind Benni McCarthy for South Africa, with 28 goals in 74 appearances. He helped his country to the 1996 African Nations Cup and played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals.

Managerial career

Bartlett coached Golden Arrows to the National First Division title in the 2014/15 season. He went on to play a crucial role as Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach in turning around the club from a ninth-place finish in the 2018/19 season to topping the table for most of the following season. In October 2021, Bartlett was appointed as manager of National First Division side Cape Town Spurs. After leading them to promotion, Spurs parted ways with Bartlett after seven consecutive defeats at the start of the 2023–24 season.

Personal life

Bartlett's wedding was attended by Nelson Mandela. To avoid excess attention, only he and his bride knew that the politician was coming. Bartlett's son, Tyrique is also a footballer.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Player

FC Zürich Kaizer Chiefs South Africa Individual

Manager

Golden Arrows Cape Town Spurs