Nelspruit, Mpumalanga – Given recent disappointing results Mpumalanga Black Aces’ club management held a meeting with head coach, Clive ‘The Dog’ Barker, and after an amicable discussion it was agreed between the parties that Barker would step aside as head coach with immediate effect.
In Thursday’s frank discussions between Aces chairman Mario Morfou and Barker, the recent results were discussed and the fact that Aces had collected only 2 of the last 21 points on offer, both parties agreed that a change had to be made.
“Barker is both a terrific person and coach who we regard with the highest respect and we have offered him a new 2-year role going forward. Sadly given the results not coming our way we were forced into changing the helm of the team,” said Morfou.
“We value Barker and believe he has a more critical role to play to the benefit of Aces. Our academy and feeder PSL reserve ‘Diski’ team as well as crucial scouting remains our future and we firmly believe that Barker will be best suited to head this role,” said Morfou.
He will immediately take 10 days leave but would remain at the club, where he has built a good relationship with management and fans alike in a new management role with a greater emphasis on developing and nurturing the future talent at the club.
It was also decided to replace Barker’s assistant coach and goalkeeper coach but all other technical members will remain in their positions.
Current technical director, Jacob Sakala will immediately assume the caretaker head coach position and the experienced Calvin Marlin has been promoted to the goalkeeper coach position.
The club will meet with assistant coach Johnny Ferreria and keeper coach Ernest Mabouka early next week to discuss their future.
Said Barker, “I feel it was a sensible decision taken by both parties. The results in the New Year have unfortunately not gone our way and we wish the incoming coach and his technical team, all the best for the remainder of the season. I have no doubt that if the club continues to play the quality of football that they have served up over the past 18 months that they will survive this awkward period.”
Mpumalanga Black Aces will formally announce the new roles of Barker as well as the direction of the club in a press conference in about 2-weeks’ time. – ANA