By: Natasha Archary

The late former Bafana Bafana coach, Clive Barker is to be honoured on Thursday, 15 June with a Provincial Funeral.
Barker, who led the team that won the 1996 Afcon on home soil, passed on Saturday, 10 June.
The 78-year iconic football legend passed away after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
Through his obituary, South Africans learned that Barker had a sterling football career, having almost being signed by English Football Club, Leicester City.
However, an injury and surgery to his knee meant the once in a lifetime opportunity to play in the English League had to be forfeit.
Barker was born on 23 June 1944, and his passing came just days before he celebrated his 79th birthday.
He is survived by his wife Yvonne, sons John and Gavin, and grandsons.
Former Bafana Bafana players, the football fraternity, members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, members of the media and friends and family gathered at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
WATCH: Clive Barker honoured with a Provincial Funeral
Barker’s sons gave an emotional tribute to their father, hoping they can continue his legacy by giving back to football.
“It’s quite ironic that we’re gathered in this venue today, I just remember in 1982, Durban City won the league and to celebrate, they wanted to come watch a movie, called Escape To Victory.
But under apartheid laws, the coloured and black players that were in the team, weren’t allowed to watch.
So, they made a special arrangement that on a Sunday, Durban could come and watch that movie, and I believe there were small things that my father played a role in breaking down those barriers, so that we got rid of the evil of apartheid.
Fourteen years later, he coached a team that would win the nation’s cup and that really was a rainbow team.”
Gavin Barker, Clive Barker’s son paid tribute to his father
Today I say 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. pic.twitter.com/5eZ3OYlACF
— John Barker (@johnbarker3) June 10, 2023
Also read: Shaun Bartlett leads Cape Town Spurs to PSL promotion



