Doc Khumalo delivers emotional, strong tribute to Clive Barker: 'We failed him as a nation'

Legendary former Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo delivered a strong, emotional tribute to his equally esteemed former head coach Clive Barker on Thursday.

Mourners gathered at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban North to pay their last respects who coached Bafana to SA's only men's Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title in 1996 at home.

Speaking at Barker's official provincial funeral in Durban, Khumalo, who was on crutches following leg surgery, said the country "failed Barker", whom he said "deserved better". 

RECAP | Former Bafana coach Clive Barker's official provincial funeral

"This is not just a coach that we’re bidding farewell to. He's a father figure to many soccer players or former players," said Khumalo.

"I just want to say that this man deserved better. We should have acknowledged him while he was still alive. 

"If anyone can tell me which coach has achieved as much as Clive did, then I'll agree. But at the moment, I strongly believe that we failed him as a nation. 

"Not only 1996 players but many players he coached managed to get to greener pastures ... Themba Zwane at Sundowns is one player Clive coached and is doing well.  

"I'd like to say to Clive, thank you very much for putting the smiles in all South African faces. Thank you Clive for molding the 1996 team from 4X4s to become champions within four years. 

"Thank you Clive for believing in us."

An emotional Khumalo, who was the fulcrum in Barker's midfield in those heydays, choked up and held a long pause during which he was comforted by programme director Robert Marawa before finishing his tribute.

"I think Clive deserved better. The reason I'm saying this is, in 1994 - all the guys that were there will attest to this - he said to us he wants to win the