Full Name: Clive William Barker 
Nickname: The Dog 
Date of Birth: 19 June 1944 
Place of Birth: Durban, Natal, South Africa 
Date of Death: 10 June 2023 (aged 78) 
Place of Death: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 
Profession: Football Coach, Former Player

Early Life and Playing Career

Clive Barker was born on 19 June 1944 in Durban, South Africa. He began his career on the pitch, playing as a footballer for Durban City (1962) and Durban United (1963–1969).

Although his playing career was modest, it laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential coaching careers in South African football history.

Coaching Career – Four Decades of Leadership

Barker began his coaching journey in the 1970s, defying apartheid-era barriers by coaching black teams, something few white managers did at the time. His courage and inclusivity marked him as a trailblazer.

Clubs Managed:

– Fynnlands (1973) 
– AmaZulu (four spells: 1974–76, 1986–87, 1991–93, 1997–99) 
– Pinetown Celtic (1976) 
– Juventus Durban (1978–81) 
– Durban City (1981–83) 
– Durban Bush Bucks (1984–85) 
– Yellowwood Park (1988–89) 
– Santos Cape Town (2000–01, 2005) 
– Manning Rangers (2001–03) 
– Maritzburg United (2003, 2015–16) 
– Bidvest Wits (2013) 
– Mpumalanga Black Aces (2013–15)

He was affectionately known as “The Dog”, a nickname that reflected his relentless energy and passionate approach to coaching.

Historic Triumph – 1996 Africa Cup of Nations

Clive Barker’s crowning achievement came in 1996, when he led Bafana Bafana to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — the first time South Africa hosted and won the tournament.

This victory:

– United a newly democratic South Africa 
– Became a symbol of national pride and reconciliation 
– Cemented Barker’s place as a hero in post-apartheid football history

Other Major Highlights:

– Qualified South Africa for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, their first ever 
– 2x South African Premier Division Champion (1982, 1983) 
– Multiple spells reviving clubs and mentoring players across generations

Personal Life and Legacy

Clive Barker was deeply devoted to his family. His son, John Barker, is a filmmaker, and his nephew, Steve Barker, also became a professional football coach.

In 2023, Clive was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a neurodegenerative disease. He passed away on 10 June 2023 at the age of 78 in his hometown of Durban.

Remembering Clive Barker

Clive Barker is remembered as:
– The man who led South Africa to their only AFCON title 
– A champion of inclusion during apartheid 
– A mentor to generations of South African footballers and coaches 
– A symbol of hope and unity through sport

His charisma, love for the game, and contribution to the nation make him a legend of South African sport.

Summary Profile

Name: Clive William Barker 
Nickname: The Dog 
Born: 19 June 1944, Durban, South Africa 
Died: 10 June 2023, Durban 
Profession: Football Coach, Former Player

Playing Career: 
– Durban City (1962) 
– Durban United (1963–1969)

Major Coaching Roles: 
– Bafana Bafana Head Coach (AFCON 1996 winner, World Cup 1998 qualifier) 
– AmaZulu, Santos, Manning Rangers, Wits, Black Aces, and more

Honours: 
– Africa Cup of Nations Winner (1996) 
– 2x South African Premier Division Champion 
– World Cup Qualification – 1998