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Clive Barker’s death a ‘huge blow’, says SAFA president Danny Jordaan

JOHANNESBURG – The South African Football Association (Safa) has paid tribute to the late former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, recalling that he made a major contribution to South African football.

Safa confirmed via a family statement that Barker died after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) on Saturday.

“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" said the Barker family's statement.

Barker, 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.

"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."

Safa president Danny Jordaan said the passing of the legendary coach was a 'huge blow'.

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"Bafana Bafana winning the African Cup of Nations with a South African coach at the helm is still one of the standout moments in the history of African football," Jordaan said.

"Clive Barker signaled the takeoff of Bafana Bafana to become the champion of Africa. He celebrated continuously on the touchline, spreading out his wings."

“He has made a major contribution to South African football. He managed to build a strong administration for the team, the captains and the players of that side. It is no wonder that virtually every single one of those players was signed by the top clubs in Europe. This made him the only coach that had the entire Bafana Bafana team composed of foreign-based players, and playing in the best leagues in Europe. Clive has been a people’s person and may his soul rest in peace."

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

'For Clive, the glass was always half full'

Meanwhile, former goalkeeper and coach Roger de Sá remembered the late Barker as a mentor and friend.

De Sá was part of the 1996 national squad that secured the country's only Afcon victory.

He said Barker was instrumental in his career.

"He was able to accept so many wrongs at a crucial time in our time together and he was able to carry on with a positive mind. For Clive, the glass was always half full, never half empty. He gave us the belief to win things and to conquer Africa."

Safa said the Barker family would provide details of the memorial service in the coming days.

Former Bafana Bafana defender Edward Motale said the football fraternity is poorer following Barker's death.

"He did a lot. We all know what he did for the clubs he coached – AmaZulu, Bafana Bafana and Durban's Bushbucks. Everywhere he got a trophy. It's a pity he passed on without [us] celebrating him, he was never celebrated enough, according to my opinion, or he was never taken seriously but for us who know him, he did a lot for the football circles."

Today I say goodbye to my father Clive Barker. He was a hero to many people in South Africa and Africa. He was a great father and a soccer legend. We will miss you. RIP Dad. I love you. pic.twitter.com/5eZ3OYlACF

' John Barker (@johnbarker3) June 10, 2023

Artmotion S.Africa

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