Barker steeps down as Aces head coach

Mpumalanga Black Aces coach, Clive Barker, has stepped down as head coach with immediate effect after a meeting with club management.
According to the team’s official website, Barker and Aces chairman Mario Morfou, discussed their recent poor results and decided it would be better if changes were made. Aces have struggled in the Absa Premiership and have only collected two points in their last seven PSL matches.
As one of the most experienced coaches in South African football, Barker has been instrumental in the team’s success over the past two years.
The former Bafana Bafana coach is currently on leave but will remain at the club in a new management role where he will focus on nurturing future talent. Barker is well known for his ability to scout players with great potential and is a respected figure in the Aces camp.
“Clive Barker is both a terrific person and coach who we regard with the highest respect and we have offered him a new two-year role going forward. Sadly, given the results not coming our way we were forced into changing the helm of the team,” said Morfou.
Current technical director, Jacob Sakala, will immediately assume the caretaker head-coach position with Calvin Marlin being promoted to the goalkeeper coach position.
“I feel it was a sensible decision by both parties. The results in the new year have unfortunately not gone our way and we wish the incoming coach and his technical team all the best for the remainder of the season.
“I have no doubt that if the club continues to play the quality of football they have served up over the past 18 months, that they will survive this awkward period,” Barker said on the Mpumalanga Black Aces website.
Mpumalanga Black Aces will formally announce the new direction of the club at a press conference to be held in two weeks’ time.