Former Bafana Bafana and Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Jethren Barr has announced he is calling time on his football career at the age of 30.
On the domestic scene, Barr turned out for Stellenbosch FC, Bidvest Wits FC and Maritzburg United. He also played for Portadown FC in Northern Ireland, as well as in the Republic of Ireland for Drogheda FC.
A former Amajita star, the Durban-born custodian was the Bafana Bafana first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 COSAFA Cup. That team included the likes of Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thabo Cele, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Lakay and Keagan Allan.
WHAT FORCED BARR INTO RETIREMENT?
“What a journey it’s been for me in this game, but the time has come to hang up my gloves,” said Barr.
“In my heart, it’s come 10 years too early but ME/CFS is really no joke. I want to thank everyone, from the coaches to the fans to all the clubs that allowed me to live my dream.”
In July 2025, Barr revealed that he had a chronic condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ME/CFS is an illness that causes extreme fatigue and cannot be cured but can be managed.
That has kept Barr away from competitive football and he last played an official match in November 2024 for Drogheda who were his last club. The goalkeeper was emotional as he revealed battling ME/CFS.
“Over the past couple months, I’ve been unwell and not able to return to playing football. The truth is I have been diagnosed with a condition called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [ME/CFS],” he said then.
“It’s a complex, often debilitating condition that affects how my body handles energy, rest, and even basic daily tasks. Some days are better than others, but it’s been a humbling and challenging journey.
“I’m currently working with a team of specialists to combat this condition and hopefully recover, which I am told can take years. This is why I have taken a step back from my professional playing career and truth be told I have had to turn down an overwhelming amount of offers to return to playing football which was heartbreaking but necessary. I thank all those teams for their interest. I would appreciate your prayers.”
Barr also revealed that he came close to joining Kaizer Chiefs as a long-term replacement for Itumeleng Khune. He again held talks with Amakhosi two seasons ago but the club opted to sign Fiacre Ntwari instead.
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