Former South Africa international Jethren Barr has explained how his move to Kaizer Chiefs collapsed at the eleventh hour.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper who also played for the likes of Maritzburg United, Bidvest Wits, and Stellenbosch FC, is currently a free agent and looking for a team following his stint with Drogheda United in the Ireland Premier Division.
"After I played well at COSAFA, I was receiving over 200 notifications a day to join Kaizer Chiefs from messages on Twitter, Instagram, etcetera," Barr tells KickOff.
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"So I thought maybe it’s possible, but I didn’t hear anything. I was speaking to David Magashoa 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 agreed. I was going to fly to Joburg the following day to go and sign.
"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.
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"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.
"I was offered to Chiefs one more time after that but they decided to buy Ntwari instead."
