Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has hailed the life of the recently deceased Arthur Bartman by calling his late former team-mate a 'champion'.

Maritzburg United announced the sad news that earlier this week their ex-goalkeeper coach had passed away due to an undisclosed illness.

Bartman enjoyed a long Premiership playing career which included a successful spell with the Glamour Boys late in his career.

Chiefs said in a statement: "His Chiefs debut came in a game against AmaZulu on 30 August 2009, winning 3-2.

"The Pietermaritzburg-born goalkeeper was at his best helping Amakhosi to beat Ajax Cape Town 2-1 to win the 2009/2010 Telkom Knockout and was deservedly voted as the Player of the Tournament. Bartman left the club at the end of the 2012/2013 season."

Club boss Motaung added: "We have learnt with shock of the sad news of the passing of Arthur Bartman.

"On behalf of the Amakhosi Family, we express our deepest heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."

Khune also gave a tribute from his official Twitter account tweeting: "A life worth celebrating, a champion for life. May Your Soul Rest In Peace Champ."

A life worth celebrating, a champion for life ,May Your Soul Rest In Peace Champ ???? #Devastated #Shocked ?? pic.twitter.com/ETED5bisGY

— IIKHUNE3216 (@IIKHUNE_32_16) March 20, 2019