Bafana Bafana goalkeeper opens up on last-minute collapse of proposed move to Kaizer Chiefs - 'It didn’t feel like they were serious'

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Jethren Barr has revealed he came close to joining Kaizer Chiefs as Itumeleng Khune's replacement, but a move could not sail through.

The 29-year-old former Maritzburg and Wits University custodian also says he was again offered to Amakhosi, but the club opted for Fiacre Ntwari. 

Now a free agent after leaving Irish side Drogheda United, Barr opens up on what transpired leading to the collapse of his move to Chiefs.

"After I played well at COSAFA, I was receiving over 200 notifications a day to join Kaizer Chiefs from messages on Twitter, Instagram, etc.," Barr told KickOff.

"So I thought maybe it’s possible, but I didn’t hear anything. I was speaking to David Mogashoa, who wanted to then bring me to Swallows, but the coaches could not decide until it was too late, and I returned to Ireland to start a trial with Shamrock Rovers. 

"While I was on trial at Rovers, I got a call from my agent that he’s been talking with Kaizer Chiefs. The next day, my agent called and all the figures were agree upond. I was going to fly to Joburg the following day to go and sign," added the Durban-based custodian.   

"I left Shamrock Rovers, packed my bags, and was waiting on my agent for a flight booking, which never ended up coming. Someone at Chiefs changed their minds.

"I won’t name names, but a month later I was told I’m welcome to come and trial, but it didn’t feel like they were serious, so I decided to push in Ireland and ended up signing at Drogheda United.  

"I really thought I was going to be a perfect replacement for Khune because I play those passes he can play with ease, which would suit Chiefs, but ultimately my dream did not come true," he continued. 

"I was offered to Chiefs one more time after that, but they decided to buy Ntwari instead." 

Despite Amakhosi deciding against signing Barr, they still face some goalkeeping woes that are a big threat to their ambitions to dominate South African football again.

There is no undisputed first-choice goalkeeper as the coaches last season switched between Ntwari, Brandon Petersen and Bruce Bvuma.

It remains a department of concern in the Amakhosi squad going into the new season.

Barr has revealed that he continues to receive offers from different clubs, but he has decided to step back from football due to a chronic illness.

Meanwhile, Chiefs will be spectators this weekend watching their rivals engage in MTN8 quarter-final matches.