Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Arthur Bartman announced his retirement from playing football after 23 years since he turned semi-professional at the age of 18. Bartman registered for the Glamour Boys for the first time during 1999/2000 PSL Season where he spent one season with the Club.

Bartman returned to Amakhosi during the 2009/2010 PSL Season after a nomadic decade spent with a number of PSL teams. Bartman took time to share his footballing experience with kaizerchiefs.com:

What are your best memories of the seasons you spent at Chiefs

Winning the Rothmans Cup was special in 1999/2000 season. I can’t forget winning the ‘Man of the Match’ against Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2009/2010 and 20012/11 seasons. I also enjoyed winning Telkom KO Challenge in 2010; I played in all the games when Itu (Khune) was on National Duty with Bafana Bafana preparing for 2010 World Cup.

What would you point out as your worst moment in your career at Chiefs

19 October 2012, will remain a downside in my career. We lost 3-2 to BidVest Wits in a Telkom Knockout Challenge game. I didn’t have a good game on the night but what can I say, that’s football, it happens to the best in the world of football.

Who played an influential role in your footballing career?

When I arrived at Chiefs I found a remarkable Goalkeeper Coach Rainer Dinkelacker, I recall his first words when I first met him “A lot of people have written you off. I know what you are capable of and if you work hard you will reap the rewards.”

Rainer was like a father to me and always willing to help in whatever way possible. I would like to thank him a he also heads for retirement I would like to wish him all of the best.

On current team

The memories of working with the guys in the current team will go a long way. It has been a pleasure to know and work with each and every one of them. I enjoyed working with the goalkeepers every day. We had a wonderful competition and at my age it was a wonderful experience. I kept the younger guys on their toes. I know Kaizer Jnr is going to be upset with me but he knows that he hardly scored against me in our mini-duels; I am going to miss that.

And of course there is Itu, SA’ s No 1 goalkeeper, very tough working and competing with him at the top of his game. It was also enjoyable to compete with him. He is a wonderful person and he deserves his achievements and accolades he is getting. He must just keep on going and be as humble as he is.

I wish the guys all of the best, to keep up the good work and remain committed for without them the Club would not achieve what has been achieved all these years.

Coach Stuart Baxter brought a wealth of experience to the team and I wish I was a bit younger to work with him some more. It was wonderful to work with him this season. I wish him all of the best moving the team forward.

It is every player’s dream to win the Championship. I am glad that I am one of the players that got a chance to win the league. Bowing out with league and Cup double medals hanging around my neck will be a moment in time for me to cherish and never forget.

What about the Kaizer Chiefs community at large

At some point it was difficult to win the supporters’ hearts but through hard work and performances in the field of play, things turned around and they started giving me support. I want to thank them with all my heart and wish them luck as they continue to support the team by coming out in numbers at the stadium to support this wonderful brand.

Through the Marketing activities and working with the Marketing Director Jessica Motaung and her team, I was able to engage in community work where we brought smiles to communities and the memories of these smiles will stay with me forever.

What was your experience working with the Club Management?

I would like to thank Bobby for allowing me to come back and play for Chiefs for the second time. But what I admire most about Bobby is that he has been open and honest with me from day one.

My gratitude goes to the Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung for the opportunity he gave me to play for the team. He has been an inspiration and a father figure to all of us, no wonder the Club continues to grow from leaps and bounds. I wish the Chairman all of the best in his endeavour to shape Chiefs to reach the greatest level of football world.

Arthur, it was wonderful to work with you. You have served football very well and I am sure you will enjoy your new ventures going into the future and all the best for the future

Yes, I have always wanted to give back to the youngsters. Coaching youngsters has always been part of my dreams and with the Club giving me an opportunity to stay on in the Club structures I am sure I will do my best to give back.

Thank you, it has been a tough decision but I think it is time for me to hang up my gloves in style after winning a double.

Cheers and Amakhosi for Life!