Legendary South African coach Clive Barker has been hospitalised but the family is hopeful he will make his way back home.
Entertainment SA has found that Barker is still in a hospital ward in Durban as the family released a statement confirming the news.
In a statement, the Barker family confirmed that Barker will soon begin his rehabilitation after successfully undergoing surgery.
According to the statement, the coach also known as ‘The Dog’ required the surgery ‘to restore flow through his aorta’, and this was after suffering an aneurysm.
An aneurysm is an excessive swelling of artery walls, and one of the causes includes high blood pressure, and the rapture of those walls can be fatal.
“On behalf of our family we would like to give an update on the wellbeing of much-loved former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker,” reads the statement as per TimesLIVE.
“Clive recently underwent an operation to restore normal flow through his aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from your heart to the rest of your body, after suffering an aneurysm.
“He is now undergoing rehabilitation in a step-down facility and it is hoped he will be able to return home soon.
“Clive is positive about his journey to recovery, saying: “lt feels like I’m in one of the pre-season training that my players had to endure when I was coaching.”
“The Barker family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the doctors and healthcare professionals at both the St Augustine’s and Entabeni hospitals, who have worked tirelessly in their treatment of Clive.
“We are deeply moved by the prayers and support that has been expressed by colleagues, players, friends, and fans.
“We acknowledge that there is a keen public interest in the well-being of Clive, but request the family’s privacy at this time. The family will update you on his health status via a press statement at a later stage.”
Barker led Bafana to their first and only CAF African Cup of Nations glory back in 1996 on homesoil as they defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the final at FNB Stadium.
Main Image: Clive Barker/SNL24