By: Natasha Archary

South Africans are mourning the passing of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, who passed away after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
Barker, who led the team that won the 1996 Afcon on home soil, passed on Saturday 10 June.
The 78-year old spearheaded the country’s first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1998, and was considered a pioneer of coaches for the National team.
News of Barker’s passing was confirmed by his family and the South African Football Association on Saturday.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan reflected on the legendary coach’s career, saying Clive Barker was much loved by everyone within the sport.
“Barker 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.
It is no wonder that virtually every single one of those players was signed by the 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.
Barker has been a people’s person, may his soul rest in peace.”
SAFA President Danny Jordan on the passing of Clive Barker

The Barker family said Clive Barker was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Clive over the past 6-months. 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 who 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 footballed, but also anyone who crossed his path in the sport he so dearly loved.”
The Barker family will provide details of the memorial service in the coming days, and have asked for their privacy to be respected at this very difficult time.
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