Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Jethren Barr is pondering his future as he continues training with Republic of Ireland giants Shamrock Rovers while also weighing up a potential move back to South Africa.
Barr, 27, was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that participated in the COSAFA Cup in Durban during the off-season.
The shot-stopper left Northern Irish club Portadown in June following the club’s relegation from the top tier.
Barr told leading South African football publication FARPost that he has been training with Shamrock Rovers for a few weeks. However, he is also open to offers from South Africa.
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JETHREN BARR ON HIS FUTURE
“I’m training with Shamrock Rovers now,” Barr told the publication. “They’ve been monitoring me for a while now, and I was supposed to go on trial before COSAFA, but I had to push it back to play COSAFA. I’m not looking to play in Northern Ireland again; God willing, I’m trying to get down to the Republic of Ireland. But if there’s any opportunities in South Africa, I’m also open to that.”
Barr has played for Maritzburg United, Stellenbosch FC, and Bidvest Wits in South Africa. He is also a former Bafana Bafana youth international.
His biggest challenge now is that the season in the Republic of Ireland is coming to an end. That means clubs would only look to sign new players for the new season.
Barr had talks with DStv Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs during the off-season, but the talks never materialised. He will only be open to returning to the PSL if it is a “quality team”.
“I believe in my quality, I deserve a big move, I’m a quality goalkeeper, and I deserve to play for a quality team. So, I’m just waiting for that, and hopefully, I can find a new home soon.”
It remains to be seen where Barr will end up, but he is indeed a player in demand.