Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt has shared his reaction to
Steve Barker’s sudden departure from the club to join Tanzanian giants Simba
SC.
The move was confirmed a day after Simba announced Barker as their new head
coach on social media, with Stellies releasing a statement noting Barker had
stepped down “to take up a new role abroad.”
Barker, who was among Simba’s targets alongside TS Galaxy’s Nermin Basic,
leaves with the club in a challenging league position—14th and just a point
above the relegation zone midway through the season. His exit at such a
critical juncture came as a surprise to many.
In an exclusive interview with PSLSA, Langeveldt expressed the squad’s shock
at Barker’s departure, crediting the coach as the foundation of the club’s
recent success.
“It came as a big surprise for all of us. He was instrumental in the success
of the club, he was the glue of Stellies. A big loss for us as a football
club, he was really a good coach and I think his record at the club speaks
for itself, what he has achieved with limited resources,” Langeveldt said.
Reflecting on Barker’s nearly nine-year tenure, the veteran goalkeeper
highlighted the coach’s unique connection with the players.
“What he achieved in the last eight and a half years was really special. He
always used the word ‘special’, especially to the players. He would always
say, ‘You’re a special group’ and I think that’s something that makes him
unique—each and every player was important to him, not only the starting
eleven but the whole team. I’m sure the club and all the players will miss
him a lot,” Langeveldt added.
