10 January 2023 – South Africa’s 1996 Africa Cup of Nations -winning coach Clive Barker said he was recuperating well and was on the way to full recovery following an operation.

Speaking from Step Down Facility in Durban, the 78-year-old Barker said he was thankful to all football fans from all walks of life who had wished him well and kept him in their prayers.

The jovial former Bafana Bafana coach said through people’s well wishes, he was on his way to full recovery and was in full spirits.

‘’I am so thankful for the support from the fans and former players as well as administrators. I feel like I am back in 1996,’’ he joked.

Barker said he would also like to thank the doctors and nurses who have done a tremendous job and shown utmost professionalism.

‘’See you on the field of play,’’ Barker told www.www.safa.net.

Barker recently underwent an operation to restore normal flow through his aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body after suffering an aneurysm.