Football mourns the loss of legendary former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, who passed away at the age of 78 on Saturday.
Clive Barker dies: What’s the cause of death?
Barker, renowned for leading South Africa to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 1996, had been battling Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a condition that was revealed earlier this year.
In an official statement released by Barker’s family, his passing was confirmed, and they expressed profound sadness over the loss.
The statement acknowledged his courageous fight against LBD, stating,
“He fought a brave battle, and we are relieved he is now at peace.”
The family expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who had cared for Barker during the past six months.
While South Africans remember Barker for his pivotal role in uniting the nation during the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, the family emphasised that he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who would be deeply missed.
They expressed their appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support since Barker’s LBD diagnosis, a testament to the impact he had on the lives of numerous footballers and individuals associated with the sport.
Clive Barker biography
Clive Barker was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in 1945.
Before his legendary career as a coach, Barker was a promising football player, whose professional debut came in 1962 for Durban City, a club that has since been dissolved.
In fact, a life-changing moment for Barker came when sustained a serious knee injury trialling for Leicester City.
Barker’s coaching career spanned an impressive 42 years, during which he mentored various teams including AmaZulu, Manning Rangers, Durban City, Durban Bush Bucks, Santos Cape Town, Wits, and Maritzburg United.
Notable achievements include leading Durban City to consecutive league titles in 1982 and 1983 and guiding Durban Bush Bucks to honours in 1985.
Reactions to Barker’s death
As the football community pays tribute to Clive Barker, plans for a memorial service will be announced in the coming days.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, allowing them to mourn and remember their beloved coach, friend, and mentor. Barker’s legacy in football will forever be remembered, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations in the sport he held so dear.
Here are some of the reactions we picked out from social media:
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