Binkin Grateful To Barker For Bafana Role In ’96

Renowned football agent Glyn Binkin says he will forever be grateful to legendary Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker for entrusting him to be the national team’s team manager in 1996 at the age of just 23.

Binkin, who now is one of the best agents in the country, was Bafana team manager at a very young age, running part of the administration work of the association.   

The agent of the likes of Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Haashim Domingo was part of the 1996 squad that carried the coffin of the late Barker at his memorial service to hearse on its way to the funeral at Olive Convention Centre on Thursday.

Barker, arguably the greatest coach in South Africa, passed away last week Saturday at the age of 78 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). On Thursday, he was honoured with a category 2 funeral by the government, with many of his former players and colleagues present.

“It is a sad day for South Africa,” said Binkin.

“He created lives, which then catapulted to going overseas, winning the 1996 Nations Cup. There were six players who were playing abroad in the squad then and thereafter it was 10 or so. He was small in stature, but good to everyone.

“It is fitting that his send-off was special and you can hear from everybody else, everyone was very positive about him. But personally, I’m very grateful to have worked with Clive because at 23 he believed in me and gave me the opportunity to become a team manager of Bafana Bafana.

“He was such a successful man in South African football with the Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the World Cup in 1998 and that happened to me when I was just 23.”

After the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, Binkin managed Mark Fish, Mark Williams and Lucas Radebe, who later became Bafana captain.

Others Binkin managed were Katlego Mphela, who also had a successful career both locally and nationally, taking him to France.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m today without him,” added Binkin.

“Without his contribution in my life and my career. His management skills were exceptional. He made everyone feel special – players, staff, hotel staff, whoever he met – he just made people feel special, with good characteristics and good character traits.”