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Chiefs took the early lead when Thomas Sweswe banged in a header in the 12th minute at Loftus Versfeld, and while Sundowns surged forward for the rest of the game, Bartman kept out a barrage of chances created by the home side.
"I think we deserved the win because we played well, but Sundowns were excellent," Vermezovic said.
"It's not easy to play against them, and they had a lot of opportunities, but today(Sunday) our goalkeeper was amazing."
Chiefs had been handed a 2-0 defeat by log leaders SuperSport United the previous week, and Bartman said he was relieved to have played a hand in their recovery.
"I think we bounced back well after last week's defeat," Bartman said.
"It was a bad loss, but I think we made up for it."
Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens credited his team for a superb effort after they did everything in their power to break through the Chiefs defence, anchored by the Amakhosi keeper.
"I cannot say anything to my players," Neeskens said.
"They tried, and they had chances, but they couldn't score.
"They played a fantastic game, and they did their best, but that's football and we'll look ahead to the next game."
SuperSport, gunning for their fourth league title in five seasons, stayed top of the standings despite their 3-0 defeat to defending champions Orlando Pirates on Saturday night.
Sundowns held on to second place, three points behind the pace setters.
Free State Stars, Chiefs and a resurgent Moroka Swallows, all of whom picked up wins over the weekend, are a point further back with two rounds of matches left before a two-month break in the league season.
