SAFA president Dr. Danny Jordaan has paid tribute to the former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, who passed on at the age of 78.
The SAFA president stated that the passing of Barker is “a huge blow” to the South African football fraternity.
The 78-year-old died after a “brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia [LBD]” on Saturday, 10 June 2023.
With Barker’s help at the helm, Bafana Bafana won to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996. He also helped the side to make their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998.
HOW SAFA PRESIDENT DR DANNY JORDAAN REMEMBERS CLIVE BARKER
“We are saddened by the passing of Clive Barker after a long illness,” Dr Jordaan told SAFA’s media department.
“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 Afghan football.
“Clive Barker signaled the takeoff of Bafana Bafana to become the champion of Africa. He celebrated continuously on the touchline, spreading out his wings.”
Dr Jordaan continued: “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.
WHAT MADE CLIVE BARKER STAND OUT FOR DR JORDAAN
“It is no wonder that virtually every single one of those players got deals with 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.”
The Barker family will provide details of the memorial and funeral service in due course.
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