How Bartlett revived Mpame after two-and-a-half seasons on the sidelines
Talented winger Tabiso Mpame has opened up on how coach Shaun Bartlett revived his football career following two-and-a-half seasons on the sidelines.
Cape Town Spurs FC roped in Mpame in July 2022, when the side was still under the tutelage of former Bafana Bafana forward Bartlett.
At the time, Mpame had been out of action for two-and-a-half seasons due to an injury setback. The 27-year-old never disappointed his coach Bartlett as he repaid his trust in him with stellar displays.
Interestingly, he played a significant role in helping the Urban Warriors gain promotion to the SA football top tier and competed in the DStv Premiership [now known as Betway Premiership] in the 2023/24 season.
Unfortunately, Mpame parted ways with Spurs immediately after their promotion to the top division.
TABISO MPAME OPENS UP ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH COACH SHAUN BARTLETT
In an interview with FARPost, Mpame expressed his admiration for coach Bartlett. He shared how the Bafana legend helped boost his confidence and help him find his feet again.
He further expressed that he views Bartlett not just as a coach but also as a father figure.
“Let me tell you one thing. If you can sign a player who has been out for two and a half seasons because of an injury, and you see potential and nurture that potential, it shows what kind of coach you are,” Mpame told this publication.
“This shows that this guy played in Europe. He understands how to manage and communicate with players. There’s no one who doesn’t have a relationship with Shaun Bartlett, including the likes of Nasief Morris and Calvin Marlin. It shows those guys have the experience to be coaches, not just coaches but also father figures.
“Speaking about Shaun Bartlett, he’s a down-to-earth human being. He’s a person you can go to in his office, have a coffee with, and explain your issues. He understands where you’re coming from.”
Mpame continued: “I’m still in contact with him. I was speaking with him the other day to ask for some advice. We still have that relationship of brotherhood and fatherhood. He is a coach that you need in football, even if we are no longer working together. He made me understand that things don’t go well sometimes and I need to keep my head up.
Mpame is currently in the books of Motsepe Foundation Championship side Kruger United, whom he joined in October 2024 after his unpleasant departure from Casric Stars.
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