Cape Town – Legendary Former Bafana Bafana coaching legend Clive Barker has died at the age of 78.
Barker, who led South Africa to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, had been battling Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
Barker’s family confirmed his death and expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for him.
“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,” the family said in a statement.
They described him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who would be dearly missed.
Barker’s coaching career spanned 42 years, during which he mentored teams such as AmaZulu, Manning Rangers, and Maritzburg United.
He achieved significant success with Durban City and Durban Bush Bucks, winning league titles with both teams.
Read the family’s full statement below:
“It is with profound sadness that the family of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker announce his passing on Saturday June 10 after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
“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 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.”
Following the news of his death, social media has been abuzz with messages of condolences.
May Clive Barker rest in peace. What a great South African! Did a lot for this country. We were blessed to have him. pic.twitter.com/bUnqNFe9CA
— Phumlani M. Majozi (@PhumlaniMMajozi) June 10, 2023
Saddened by the passing of legendary Coach Clive Barker whom we shared some great moments during Afcon 96 team successes. RIP and Condolences to the Family. pic.twitter.com/dFe9sVvwVD
— Lucas Radebe (@LucasRadebe) June 10, 2023
A timeless legend.
The coach who made South Africa dream.
Rest in peace Clive Barker ?️ pic.twitter.com/liteN0bOiE
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) June 10, 2023
Rest In Peace ?️
Former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker sadly passed away on Saturday morning, the family has confirmed. #SLSiya
Read more: https://t.co/b1XAssx2cD pic.twitter.com/S4X7mOQsAv
— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) June 10, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family of Clive Barker the legendary Bafana Bafana coach.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, may the Lord be with you in this difficult time. We will always remember his leadership on and off the field at a very vital time in SA. #RIPCliveBarker pic.twitter.com/HYHtgsd6kD
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) June 10, 2023
He was an asset to our nation and among those that have built bridges of hope when we needed such. May his great soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of Clive Barker. #RIPCliveBarker pic.twitter.com/f8oT7mejSN
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) June 10, 2023
The PSL is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary former Bafana Bafana coach, Mr. Clive Barker.
A moment of silence will be observed in his honour at both remaining Promotion Play-off fixtures.
The PSL sends heartfelt condolences to the Barker family, and the football… pic.twitter.com/Wht74E7b7S
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) June 10, 2023
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@ThuliMadonsela3
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
