Pitso Shares Heartfelt Barker Tribute

Pitso Mosimane has shared a heartfelt tribute for former Bafana Bafana coach Steve Barker, who sadly passed away on Saturday.

Barker has cemented his name into South Africa’s football history books after becoming the first and to date only coach to lead Bafana to a continental trophy after lifting the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Just two years later he also steered South Africa to their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in France in 1998.

However, he battled illness for while and had been in out of hospital. Yet, hearing about his sad passing on Saturday, left many in Mzansi in mourning.

“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.

“He fought a brave battle, and we are relieved he is now at peace.”

Mosimane, who played under Barker during his active days, was among those who have since posted tributes on social media about the sad passing of “the dog”.

“The only one in SA to win Afcon,” he wrote.

“He made players to perform beyond their talent. He was a friend, Coach, Mentor, Leader and a Father. A difficult combination to get out of a Coach.

“He Coached a human being first then the a talented football player. I am lucky, he was my Coach.”