Barker was the country’s first and only African Cup of Nations coach to win the tournament. The 78-year-old soccer legend died on Saturday after a brief battle with illness.
Clive Barker. Picture credit: clivebarkeracademy
JOHANNESBURG – “Father figure” and “sporting legend” are some words being used to describe the late and former Bafana Bafana coach, Clive Barker.
The 78-year-old soccer legend died on Saturday after a brief battle with illness.
Barker was the country’s first and only African Cup of Nations (Afcon) coach to win the tournament.
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He is known for dedicating his life to empowering his players and breaking race barriers on the field.
Barker is remembered for his signature “airplane” lap of honour around the FNB Stadium after Bafana Bafana beat Tunisa 2-0 in the Afcon finals in 1996.
Former Bafana Bafana captain, Neil Tovey, said that he was fortunate to play under him.
“He created an atmosphere around that team that was unique to every other coach I’ve ever had and it was a disjointed team and he brought the team together. Each player had their respective strengths and another big attribute was blending those qualities together.”
He said that South Africans were mourning the loss of a national icon.
“Every team we had, we were very, very successful, and his biggest attribute was that he was a player’s coach – every training session was the most wonderful occasion and enjoyable occasion and when you start enjoying your, training then you start enjoying your matches and enjoying your performances and Clive was very, very unique in that way.”
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