Clive Barker, South African Football Coach, Dies at 78

Clive Barker, the South African football coach who led the national team to its only African Nations Cup title in 1996, died on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the age of 78. He had been battling Lewy body dementia.

Barker was born in Durban, South Africa, in 1944. He began his playing career at Durban City in the 1960s, and later played for Durban United and Manning Rangers. He retired from playing in 1975.

Barker began his coaching career in the 1970s, and he led a number of South African clubs to success, including Durban City, Manning Rangers, and Amazulu. He was appointed coach of the South Africa national team in 1995, and he led the team to victory in the African Nations Cup in 1996. South Africa also qualified for the 1998 World Cup under Barker's leadership.

Barker was a popular and respected figure in South African football. He was known for his passion, his commitment to his players, and his ability to get the best out of them. He was also a pioneer in South African football, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.

Barker's death is a major loss for South African football. He was a true legend of the game, and he will be remembered for his achievements on and off the pitch.

Barker is survived by his wife, Gill, and their two sons, John and Michael.