As the nation continues to mourn the passing of legendary Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker, present nationwide staff captain Ronwen Williams has additionally paid tribute to the much-loved icon.
Barker’s identify will without end be entrenched within the historical past books of South African soccer having guided Bafana to their solely main piece of silverware, the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations on house soil.
Williams was solely 4 when ‘The Dog,’ as Barker was affectionately recognized, lifted the AFCON trophy with Bafana 27 years in the past.
“Firstly, may his wonderful soul rest in peace. It’s a massive loss for the football family in South Africa. What he has done for us is to give us all hope as the only coach to win AFCON. He gave us hope that we can do it so to his family and loved ones, we feel the pain with you guys,” Williams mentioned about Barker, who handed on final Saturday aged 78, following a courageous battle towards Lewy Body Dementia.
“He was the one that made people take note of Themba Zwane a few years ago so we feel the pain and hopefully going forward we can use his legacy as an inspiration to keep fighting.”
Xulu desires Bafana to play nicely in Barker’s honour
Azerbaijan-based Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu, who play his soccer for Turan Tovuz, additionally remembered Barker and says it might be becoming to play in his honour once they face Morocco on Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at FNB Stadium.
“It’s very important to be well determined for this game because we usually play these big games when there’s too much pressure,” he mentioned.
“By doing well (against Morocco), that will make us play without the added pressure where we can measure ourselves in terms of where we are as team. Like I said, this is a new team but we have taken positive step that are promising. Regarding Mr Barker, it would make me happy if we play well to represent him and send him off well.”
Source link
