RIP Clive Barker – iDiski Times

Former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker has sadly passed away on Saturday, his family confirmed via a statement.

Barker, is to date, still the only South African coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations after leading South Africa to the continental title in 1996.

“It is with profound sadness that the family of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker announce his passing on Saturday, 10 June after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD),” read a statement by his family.

“Clive, 78, led South Africa to their only continental triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1996, and also steered the side to a maiden World Cup appearance in France in 1998, and is fondly remembered by fans across the country, as has been evident by the tremendous support he received after falling ill.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Clive over the past six months. He fought a brave battle, and we are relieved he is now at peace.

“Clive will be remembered by South Africans for his role in helping to bring a nation together around the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, but for us he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enormous outpouring of love and support for Clive since he was first diagnosed with LBD, and this is a testament to the coach, friend, and mentor he was to not only several generations of footballers, but also anyone who crossed his path in the sport he so dearly loved.

“We will provide details of the memorial service in the coming days and ask the family’s privacy be respected at this very difficult time.”

At club level Barker coached Santos, Manning Rangers, Bush Bucks, Bidvest Wits and Maritzburg United amongst others, won the Coca-Cola Cup with AmaZulu in 1992 – the last time the Durban-club won a major trophy.

He coached Usuthu seven times, including when it was known as Zulu Royals. 

We, at iDiski Times, would like to express our condolences to Clive Barker’s family, friends and the SA football fraternity at large. Barker’s achievements in the beautiful game and for South Africa will never be forgotten.