/ 17 September 1997

Barker to meet Safa over pay

WEDNESDAY, 12.15PM:

NATIONAL soccer coach Clive Barker will meet the South African Football Association executive on Wednesday to convince them he is worth the R100 000-a-month to take Bafana Bafana to the World Cup Finals in France next June.

Safa is silent on the issue but the feeling is that Barker will be asked to curb his pay demend and remain to coach on a part-time basis. It is understood that Barker was somewhat surprised at Safa’s publication of his demand, which was an opening offer up for negotiation.

Soccer personalities believe that Barker deserves what he asks, after doing the hard work of winning the African Nations Cup and qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time.

If Safa agrees to Barker’s demands, he will be the highest-paid coach in Africa.

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Phillip Trousier, currently coaching Nigeria’s “Super Eagles”, is one of the top earners in Africa. He earns about R67 000 a month.

Glenn Hoddle, England’s manager, earns 180 000 a year, which gives him a monthly package of R112 500.

Scotland’s manager Craig Brown is on a mohtly salary of R75 000.

Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson is paid R564 000 a month.

Former England coach Terry Venables, now coach of Australia, earns $400 000 a year, which is about R153 000 a month.

At Wednesday’s meeting Safa will not only discuss Barker’s wage demands, but will also be looking at remunerations for the entire technical commitee.