15 June 2023 – A Memorial Service in honour of the late Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker who passed away last Saturday was held at SAFA House on Thursday, 15 June 2023.
Among those who attended the service were SAFA Vice-President Linda Zwane, NEC members Job Mchunu, Pius Nqandela, Solly Mkhabela and Bhudha Mathathe. The Class of ’96 which won the Africa Cup of Nations was represented by stalwart David Nyathi who was accompanied by another former Bafana Bafana kingpin Sibusiso Zuma.
Also present was SAFA Technical Director Walter Steenbok and members of the South Africa Football Coaches Association which included President Greg Mashilo and Sudesh Singh.
Nyathi gave a moving tribute, giving a detailed account that the late Barker was more than just a coach but was a Nation Builder and an inspiration to the football family.
Nyathi said the late Barker demanded high standards and his passion for the trade was reflected in his flamboyant celebrations.
‘’To show thanks and gratitude to Clive, we must do it again (ie win the AFCON in his honour),’’ said Nyathi who is now SAFA’s head of scouting.
The President of South African Masters and Legends Football Association, Bhudha Mathate said coach Barker came and played his part in shaping football in this country.
‘’He fought a good fight and finished his race. He earned respect for his professionalism and likable demeanour. His legacy was selflessness and Nation Building,’’ said Mathathe.
SAFCA’s Sudesh Singh said what made Barker a runaway success was embracing the South African playing culture. “He breathed, ate and lived football,’’ said Singh. Mashilo said the late Barker was a genius.
In his closing remarks, NEC member Nqandela challenged all and sundry to start documenting our football history so that future generations know where they came from.