1996
African Nations Cup-winning coach Clive Barker has been appointed to take
charge of Mpumalanga Black Aces as the AmaZayoni return to top flight football
action in the Absa Premiership this season.
The
highly experienced mentor, who has won the country’s top league honours on five
occasions in a coaching career which started back in 1973, makes his way to the
heart of Mpumalanga on a two-year contract, after spending part of the
2012/2013 Absa Premiership season on the bench in charge of Wits University.
His
track record of top flight titles include triumphs with Durban City (1982 and
1983), Durban Bush Bucks (1985) and Santos (2001). He also led Amazulu to the
Coca-Cola Cup in 1992.
“I
am delighted to be given an opportunity to coach at a team of the calibre of
Mpumalanga Black Aces, who have a large support base of passionate and
knowledgeable football fans, with players who have the skills and discipline to
see this proud club entrench themselves as regulars in the Absa Premiership,”
said Barker.
“The
Mpumalanga Black Aces management and players did a superb job in winning
promotion back to the top league via the playoffs and I am keen to give the
players who performed this task, an opportunity to prove themselves in training
ahead of the new season. Likewise, I haven’t yet made any decisions with regard
to the technical staff that will support me in working with the players.”
Jacob
Sakala, who coached the AmaZayoni to promotion, will take up the role of
Technical Adviser, working closely with Barker.
“Aces
belong in the top flight in SA football and by working as a team, we will be
out to make all involved with the club, most importantly, the supporters,
extremely proud,” concluded Barker.
In welcoming Barker to the AmaZayoni camp, Mpumalanga Black Aces co-chairman Mario Morfou said:” Barker’s coaching experience will be worth its weight in gold to the team and he is the type of coach and character who will fit in well with our club. I wish him the best for the season ahead.”
