Nuggety Clive Barker, who will indelibly be remembered for guiding Bafana Bafana to the African Nations Cup title on home soil in 1996, was on Wednesday unceremoniously removed from his position as head coach of Amazulu.
His yo-yo relationship with the enigmatic KwaZulu-Natal club, whom he first coached 20 years ago, ended in disappointment once again.
According to the Kick Off magazine website, Amazulu MD Bongi Hlophe confirmed that Barker is no longer at the helm of the struggling Premier Soccer League club’s coaching. His place will be filled on an interim basis by Reggie Shelembe.
Kick Off also reported that Amazulu have been negotiating with former Black Leopards and Democratic Republic of Congo coach Bibey Mutombo, and that the articulate mentor is expected to join the Durban club shortly.
Barker has confirmed he no longer occupies the position of head coach at Amazulu and says he respects the decision of the club’s management in this respect.
”There is the possibility that I may remain with the club and serve in another position,” said the veteran coach, whose highs and lows with Amazulu during a colourful and varied career could fill a book.
The former Bafana coach was also summarily replaced by cash-strapped, relegated Bush Bucks last season in what has been a disenchanting turnaround to his distinguished career. — Sapa