Clive Barker 'now at peace' after dementia battle

A short family notice on Barker's death said he had fought a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has confirmed the passing of former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker on Saturday at the age of 78. 

"We send our deepest condolences to his family," said COSAFA. 

A short family notice on Barker's death said he had fought a brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

Barker led South Africa to their only continental triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in 1996, and also steered the side to a maiden World Cup appearance in France in 1998. 

"He is fondly remembered by fans across the country, as has been evident by the tremendous support he received after falling ill," said the family statement. 

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Clive over the past six months,” the Barker family said. 

“He fought a brave battle and we are relieved he is now at peace."

“Clive will be remembered by South Africans for his role in helping to bring a nation together around the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, but for us, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed," they added. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the enormous outpouring of love and support for Clive since he was first diagnosed with LBD, and this is a testament to the coach, friend, and mentor he was to not only several generations of footballers, but also anyone who crossed his path in the sport he so dearly loved.   

Details of the memorial service are still to be released and the family have asked for their privacy to be respected in "this very difficult time.”