KZN government mourns legendary coach, Clive Barker
The sporting fraternity had lost a legend who was a role model for all in the province and country.
The KwaZulu-Natal Government, led by Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has joined millions of football lovers in South Africa and the world in paying tribute to the legendary former Bafana Bafana coach Clive ‘The Dog’ Barker whose family announced his death last Saturday.
Premier Dube-Ncube said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the departure of Coach Clive Barker. His contribution to the development of football in South Africa is well recognised at home and abroad, and he remains one of the top-achieving coaches produced in this country. His symbolic flying celebration will always be remembered, especially when he led our national team, Bafana Bafana to the Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1996 and qualification to our first World Cup in France in 1998.”
She added: “KwaZulu-Natal is proud to be the home of this legend who made a significant contribution to making football non-racial after years of apartheid separation. We will be communicating with the family regarding the proper send-off arrangements fitting his stature and contribution to nation-building. On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal government and the people of our province, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the entire football fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
KZN MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Ntuthuko Mahlaba, said the sporting fraternity had lost a legend who was a role model for all in the province and country.
“I am very sad to learn of Coach Clive Barker’s death today. What a loss to football. He possessed great brains for the game and was a strategist whose ideas put South Africa on the map. During his tenure our national football team, Bafana Bafana were once ranked 16th in FIFA world rankings, such was his influence,” said Mahlaba.
He said Barker’s big persona despite being diminutive in built was felt even by the opposition coaches who marvelled at the way he marshalled his troops in the field of play.
“He was exceptional! I am at a loss for words to describe the influence he has had on our football scene,” he said.
Among many accolades, the provincial government recognised Barker’s role when he was awarded the MEC’s Special Recognition Award during the 2021 KZN Sport Awards led by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
In his coaching history which began in the 1970s following a premature end to his playing career, Barker coached a number of clubs in South Africa, including Durban City, Manning Rangers, AmaZulu (Zulu Royals), Bush Bucks, Santos (Cape Town), Maritzburg United, Bidvest Wits and Mpumalanga Black Aces, as well as Bafana Bafana.
The 78-year-old legend who was affectionately died after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), according to his family.
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