Durban – Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr. Danny Jordaan, and former Bafana Bafana captain, Neil Tovey, on Monday, visited the grieving family of Clive Barker in Glenwood.
Barker – the former South African senior national team coach – passed away on Saturday after a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
RELATED:Former Bafana Bafana Coach Clive Barker Has Died At 78 – The Bulrushes
“We want to celebrate this life but in doing so we thought we should come to the family and hear their wishes,” the Minister said.
Dr. Jordaan said SAFA will continue to honour Barker through some of the programmes that the Association has, especially in the SAFA Academy, youth courses, and scouting, among others.
“We met with the family and we were happy to be there during this difficult time,” the SAFA President.
“We will always remember Clive and will honour him with several other initiatives, including the SAFA/Clive Barker Academy.”
SAFA Technical Director Walter Steenbok confirmed that plans were already in the works.
They were proposed and developed by the SAFA Technical Director and approved at the last SAFA Congress.
“The SAFA Academy will be renamed SAFA/Clive Barker Academy, which is going to deliver specialised courses in youth, conditioning, scouting, performance and data analysis and other emerging courses in modern football,” Steenbok said.
“It will fall under SAFA Education, which includes Coach Education and the SAFA Academy.”
Coach Education offers CAF-accredited courses from CAF D to CAF Pro, including Goalkeeping, while the SAFA Academy deals with specialised courses.
Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in for Barker who died at 78.
His nephew, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker said: “To a Giant and Legend of South African football. Thank you uncle Clive for everything you have done for our country.
“You brought happiness and joy to everyone you met. Your legacy as a legend and gentleman of South African football will forever live in our hearts.”
Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Radebe said he was, “saddened by the passing of legendary coach, Clive Barker, whom we shared some great moments during Afcon 96 team successes. RIP and condolences to the Family.”
PSL coach Gavin Hunt said: “RIP Clive. May his soul rest in peace. What a legend of South African football.”
The official funeral of legendary Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker will be on Thursday.
