It is with profound sadness that the family of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker announce his passing on Saturday, 10 June after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
Clive, 78, led South Africa to their only continental triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1996, and also steered the side to a maiden World Cup appearance in France in 1998, and is fondly remembered by fans across the country, as has been evident by the tremendous support he received after falling ill.
The family of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, who led South Africa to the 1996 AFCON title, have announced his passing after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia ??
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) June 10, 2023
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Clive over the past six months,” the Barker family says.
“He fought a brave battle, and we are relieved he is now at peace. “Clive will be remembered by South Africans for his role in helping to bring a nation together around the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, but for us he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.
“We have been overwhelmed by the enormous outpouring of love and support for Clive since he was first diagnosed with LBD, and this is a testament to the coach, friend, and mentor he was to not only several generations of footballers, but also anyone who crossed his path in the sport he so dearly loved.
Clive Barker Stats
Born 23 June 1944
Date of Passing 10 June 2023
Age 78
Played at Durban City and Durban United. Had trials at Leicester City.
First coached AmaZulu in 1974
Won the NPSL title with Durban City in 1982 and 1983
Won the NPSL title with Bush Bucks in 1985
Won the Coca-Cola Cup as coach of AmaZulu in 1992
Won BoB Save Super Bowl with Santos 2001
Appointed coach of South Africa in 1994
Won African Nations Cup in 1996. Record P43 W22 D9 L12 GF57 GA38
Also coached Lamontville Golden Arrows, Pinetown Celtic, Durban Chiefs, Manning Rangers, Maritzburg United and Umtata Bush Bucks
Coaching career
CLIVE BARKER
Date of birth: 23 June 1944
|
Year |
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
|
1985 |
Bush Bucks |
38 |
23 |
12 |
3 |
80 |
38 |
|
1986 |
AmaZulu |
38 |
20 |
8 |
10 |
82 |
43 |
|
1987 |
AmaZulu |
43 |
19 |
11 |
13 |
59 |
49 |
|
1988 |
Bush Bucks |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
1989 |
Bush Bucks |
36 |
7 |
11 |
18 |
31 |
55 |
|
1992 |
AmaZulu |
48 |
18 |
15 |
15 |
59 |
53 |
|
1993 |
AmaZulu |
42 |
18 |
15 |
8 |
47 |
38 |
|
1994 |
AmaZulu |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
1998/99 |
AmaZulu |
34 |
10 |
9 |
15 |
40 |
53 |
|
1999/00 |
AmaZulu |
18 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
13 |
22 |
|
1999/00 |
Santos |
9 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
12 |
8 |
|
2000/01 |
Santos |
34 |
15 |
11 |
8 |
40 |
32 |
|
2001/02 |
Manning Rangers |
34 |
12 |
9 |
13 |
48 |
45 |
|
2002/03 |
Manning Rangers |
23 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
23 |
26 |
|
2003/04 |
Zulu Royals |
15 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
30 |
|
2004/05 |
Santos |
7 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
|
2004/05 |
Manning Rangers |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
2005/06 |
Umtata Bush Bucks |
8 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
17 |
|
2006/07 |
AmaZulu |
11 |
1 |
3 |
7 |
9 |
19 |
|
2007/08 |
AmaZulu |
36 |
13 |
7 |
16 |
50 |
40 |
|
2012/13 |
Bidvest Wits |
15 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
20 |
18 |
|
2013/14 |
Mpumalanga Black Aces |
32 |
12 |
7 |
13 |
36 |
38 |
“We will provide details of the memorial service in the coming days and ask the family’s privacy be respected at this very difficult time.
” Issued by MEDIA OFFICE COSAFA on behalf of Family Clive Barker
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR LEGENDARY BAFANA COACH
The only one in SA to win Afcon. He made players to perform beyond their talent .He was a friend , Coach, Mentor , Leader & a Father. A difficult combination to get out of a Coach.He Coached a human being first then the a talented football player. I am lucky , he was my Coach.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/xrMRB01EeE
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) June 10, 2023
To a Giant & Legend of South African Football💔💔
— Steve Barker (@Barker_Stevee) June 10, 2023
Thank you Uncle Clive for everything you have done for our Country. You bought happiness & joy to everyone you met.
Your legacy as a legend & gentleman of South African Football will forever life in our hearts❤️🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/t35RieAIft
We flew with you! You brought happiness to our land. We will forever cherish your role in the development of football in our country. The Dog! pic.twitter.com/8f1fhZEjxT
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) June 10, 2023
RIP coach Clive 🙏🏾You inspired a Nation and we thank you for your contribution to 🇿🇦⚽. #DankieNgiyabonga 💔🇿🇦⚽ pic.twitter.com/2Zp6BqyYYq
— Brent Carelse (@brentcarelse) June 10, 2023
Rest in peace Clive "The Dog" Barker. We are forever grateful for your contribution to South African Football @BafanaBafana pic.twitter.com/MLUY7djcQk
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) June 10, 2023
RIP Clive 💔🙏🏼 May his soul rest in peace. What a legend of a South African football.
— Gavin Hunt (@gavinhunt12) June 10, 2023
Clive Barker died on Saturday morning He has been suffering from LBD (Lewy Body Dementia)
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) June 10, 2023
His family confirmed the tragic news saying
“He fought a brave battle and we are relieved he is now at peace."
Rest In Peace #RIPCliveBarker pic.twitter.com/s4pi73jUZJ
Rest in Peace my paddling friend Clive Barker #clivebarker . Condolences to his whole family. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/YgouXFyq0U
— Oscar Chalupsky (@OscarChalupsky) June 10, 2023
RIP Clive Barker. Brilliant coach of the club I covered in my first season as a soccer reporter. Bush Bucks 1985 still my favourite team.
— Mark Gleeson (@markgleesonfoot) June 10, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/dFe9sVvwVD
— Lucas Radebe (@LucasRadebe) June 10, 2023