Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker. Photo: SABC screenshot
VIDEO: Emotional Stellies coach opens up about uncle Clive
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has called for thoughts and prayers after his uncle Clive was re-admitted to hospital.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker. Photo: SABC screenshot
Earlier this month it was confirmed that legendary former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker had returned to hospital, where he was said to be “stable”, but still in ICU.
Barker, who famously led Bafana Bafana to the 1996 African Cup of Nations title, was first admitted to a Durban hospital late last year when he was treated for an aneurysm, a condition that hinders the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
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Since his operation, Barker spoke positively about his recovery progress, but after his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, he has now had to return to hospital. LBD is described as “the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease”.
His nephew Steve, who has been leading Stellenbosch through an emotionally testing time after the tragic death of Oshwin Andries, recently opened up about all the off-field emotions and challenges facing him and the club.
“I spoke to my cousin John Barker a couple of days ago and he [Clive] is in Intensive Care, it was not the best news when I spoke to him,” Barker said, as quoted by SABC Sport. “So, just our thoughts and prayers from me, my family and our club [Stellenbosch] are with him. I mean, he’s an icon of South African football or just generally sport as a whole.
“Let’s hope that he can pull through and come out of this strong, but I think we must pay tribute to a legend, as much as we can and as often as we can.”
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“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster ride for our club for the best part of the season,” Barker added. “Outside of Oshwin’s passing, there are family members of other players who have passed away. A player like Van Rooyen lost both his parents, he’s related to Oshwin and he also lost his grandmother recently. All of those emotions, I think, have galvanized us as a football club to know that our slogan is about more than just football.”
This past weekend he also looked visibly emotional during an interview, which you can watch below.
THE BARKER FAMILY RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT LAST WEEK:
“Clive has been re-admitted to hospital in Durban after he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), which is causing cognitive and physical difficulties.
“He had undergone major surgery late last year and was on the road to recovery, but the onset of LBD has caused complications which have seen him return to hospital,” the family said.
“His condition is stable but he remains in the Intensive Care Unit and is being closely monitored.”
“The family is grateful for the incredible care he is receiving from medical teams and would once again like to thank friends, colleagues and fans for their continued love, prayers and support.”
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THE FORMER BAFANA COACH IS AN ICONIC OF SOUTH AFRICAN SOCCER
Barker’s managerial career spanned over 40 years and saw him win two league titles, perhaps most famously with Durban Bush Bucks in 1985.
He took charge of Bafana Bafana in 43 games between 1994 and 1997, winning 22 and losing only 12, while most famously serving at the helm during the triumphant African Nations Cup in 1996.
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