Forward Madison FC has re-signed the 29-year-old forward Nazeem Bartman, pending league and federation approval. The South African native will stay with Forward Madison FC following a season where he contributed the second-most goals for the club (5) and played a key role for Forward Madison FC’s attack.
The FMFC Coaching Staff is looking forward to a big 2023 for Bartman. “[He’s] an exciting player who came in on trial last season, and earned every minute of playing time. He’s dynamic, clever, good on the dribble, and he can finish. He will be a definite threat for us on the attacking side,” Head Coach Matt Glaeser said.
Bartman came in clutch for the Flamingos with last-second goals last season. Last season the 5-foot-7 striker earned USL League One Player of the Week honors in Week 10, after recording a goal and an assist in the Flamingos’ 2-1 win over FC Tucson. On the season, Bartman made 25 appearances and finished with 17 chances created, 24 shots (7 on target), and 1 assist.
Before joining FMFC, Bartman began his playing career in the USL PDL with the Michigan Bucks in 2013. The striker then advanced his soccer career at Tyler Junior College before eventually transferring to University of South Florida in 2015. An impressive final season with the Bulls propelled Bartman to be selected 73rd overall by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
The Cape Town native made 13 appearances with the Whitecaps 2 squad in his rookie season and he scored a goal. Bartman continued working on his game while playing for multiple lower-division American clubs before landing with Chicago House AC for the 2021 season. Bartman excelled with Chicago House AC, tallying three goals in five games with the club.