Williams Pays Tearful Tribute To Fallen Hero Barker

Former Bafana Bafana striker Mark Williams was left in tears when paying tribute to legendary South Africa coach Clive Barker, who sadly passed away on Saturday.

Barker, 78, passed away on Saturday, 10 June “after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD),” according to a family statement via COSAFA.

The legendary coach led South Africa to their only continental triumph at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, and also helped Bafana to their first FIFA World Cup appearance in France in 1998, but he was mysteriously sacked before the event because SAFA didn’t agree with the new salary.

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker, who was the nephew of the former Bafana coach, was among the first pay tribute: “To a giant and legend of South African football, thank you uncle Clive for everything you have done for our country,” he wrote on social media.

“You brought so much happiness and joy to everyone you met. Your legacy as a legend and gentleman of South Africa football will forever live in our hearts.”

Former Bafana striker Williams, who scored a brace in the 1996 AFCON final against Tunisia, was in tears when paying tribute to Barker.

“What he went through he is better off,” said Williams to iDiski Times.

“He’s someone I spent most time with; he was the father figure, a role model, a coach, a brother, a friend because I could have a drink with him and he allowed me to go out before the AFCON final in 1996.

“That is the type of coach I don’t think you can find. It is sad that we lost Clive, but we are all going to go through this one day, someone you are going to ask about me.

“But the person that he was, it is one thing I want to remember Barker as.”

Barker, having handed Williams his Bafana debut against Argentina in an international friendly match on 13 May 1995 at Ellis Park Stadium, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker repaid the coach’s faith by scoring four goals in the ‘96 AFCON, including the brace in the final when he came on in the second half against Tunisia at FNB Stadium.

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt was another who joined the millions of mourners, writing on social media: “RIP Clive. May your soul rest in peace. What a legend of South Africa Football.”

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AmaZulu football club, where Barker had six stints, including when the club was known as Zulu Royals, and won the Coca-Cola Cup in 1992 when Usuthu beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 at FNB Stadium, stated: “Today marks a sorrowful day for AmaZulu Football Club and the South African football fraternity at large. Rest in peace to Clive Barker. Ulale ngokuthula, Mkhulu.”  

Barker, who also won two league titles, had a long storied coaching career, coaching sides such as Fynnlands, Pinetown Celtic, Juventus Durban, Durban City, Durban Bush Bucks, Yellowood Park, Santos, Manning Rangers, Bush Bucks, Bidvest Wits and recently Maritzburg United in 2015/16 season, having started coaching in 1973.