Clive Barker hailed as ‘true compatriot, son of the soil’
Former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker has been hailed as a symbol of non-racialism in South Africa.
Family, friends, dignitaries and former football players gathered at the Durban Convention Centre on Thursday to pay last respects to the legendary football coach.
Barker, who died at the age of 78 after a battle against dementia, was afforded an official provincial funeral.
Barker led South Africa to their only continental triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1996 and also steered the side to a maiden World Cup appearance in France in 1998.
His son John Barker said his father believed that South Africa is the best country in the world despite challenges.
"Besides being a great family man, and soccer coach his other great passion was for South Africa and its people. He was so patriotic, even though we are going through tough times he still believed that South Africa is the best country in the world."
His friend Param Josephs said Barker was a true patriot and a son of the soil who was loved by South Africans.
"When we talk about patriotism, Clive was a true son of the soil. He loved the country and its people. He was optimistic about everything. The last couple of months it has been horrible, for those of you who know Clive he fought a brave fight right to the bitter end, to see him in the state that he was not a nice thing."
Renowned football commentator Mark Gleeson said Barker broke down racial barriers by becoming the first white coach in the black-dominated football league.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey lauded Barker as a mentor, and father figure who not only solved football problems but also issues players had in their personal lives.
This while Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo said South Africa failed Barker by failing to honour him while he was alive.
"This man deserved better, we should have acknowledged him while he was alive, he achieved much as a coach. I strongly believe that we failed him as a nation. He made football icons in South Africa and gave us an opportunity to play overseas."
South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said Barker embodied the qualities of a president who could bring non-racial, inclusive, participatory, democracy to South Africa.
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