Pitso Mosimane described Clive Barker as a rare breed as the Al Ahli coach joined the football fraternity in paying tribute to the 1996 AFCON winner.
Barker passed away aged 78 on Saturday morning in Durban after a long battle with Lewy body dementia (LBD).
South Africans from all walks of life were quick to salute the legendary former Bafana Bafana mentor.
Barker, nicknamed ‘The Dog’, coached the Bafana team that clinched the 1996 AFCON title on home soil and guided the national team to the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification in France.
Mosimane hailed Barker in a social media post, stating that the ex-Black Aces tactician had the desire and compassion to have a deeper understanding of the players at his disposal.
PITSO MOSIMANE ON CLIVE BARKER
“The only one in SA to win AFCON. He made players to perform beyond their talent,” said Pitso Mosimane.
“He [Barker] was a friend, coach, mentor, leader and a Father. A difficult combination to get out of a coach. He coached a human being first then a talented football player. I am lucky, he was my coach,” added Mosimane.
Furthermore, a member of the 96 AFCON Bafana squad, Lucas Radebe expressed his deep sadness at the passing of his former coach.
“Saddened by the passing of legendary coach Clive Barker whom we shared some great moments during Afcon 96 team successes. RIP and condolences to the Family,” said Rabede.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the SA Football Association [SAFA] also mourned the death of the only SA to taste AFCON’s success.
DStv Premiership clubs such as Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, SuperSport United, AmaZulu FC, Cape Town City and Maritzburg United shared messages of condolences.
In a statement, CT City said: ‘A timeless legend. The coach who made South Africa dream. Rest in peace Clive Barker.”
In addition, Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia said Barker is a big loss to SA football.
‘CLIVE BARKER WAS A GENTLEMAN OF THE GAME’
“A gentleman of the game, who has done a lot for South African club football as well as the country as he was the first Bafana Bafana coach to win the 1996 Cup of Nations and oversaw the 1998 World Cup qualification, he will be sorely missed,” declared Kadodia.
Barker’s family members took to social media to show their gratitude to the ex-coach for not only being a great coach but guardian and adviser.
“To a giant and legend of South African football, thank you uncle Clive for everything you have done for our country,” tweeted Stellies coach Steve Barker. “You bought happiness & joy to everyone you met. Your legacy as a legend & gentleman of South African Football will forever live in our hearts.”
John Barker added: “Goodbye to my father Clive Barker. He was a hero to many people in South Africa and Africa. He was a great father and a soccer legend. We will miss you. RIP Dad. I love you.”
SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt, AmaZulu legend George Dearnaley, Mark Williams, Doctor Khumalo all agreed that Barker agreed Barker contributed immensely to football in SA.
Former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela said Barker was an asset to SA, while the EFF and ANC also expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Barker family.
“He was an asset to our nation and among those that have built bridges of hope when we needed such. May his great soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and fans of Clive Barker,” said Madonsela.
RELATED STORY: Ex-Bafana Bafana coach dies at 78
