Insiders have revealed that Simba SC’s landmark appointment of Steve
Barker as head coach was the result of a meticulous, months-long pursuit,
not a sudden decision. The Tanzanian giants first identified the South
African mentor as a prime target during their encounters in last season’s
CAF Confederation Cup.
Barker’s Stellenbosch FC, then on their debut continental campaign, faced
Simba over two legs. His tactical discipline, team organization, and
composed leadership under pressure are understood to have profoundly
impressed Simba’s technical hierarchy, planting the seed for their future
interest.
According to a source close to the negotiations, the monitoring continued
long after the final whistle. “The interest didn’t start now,” the source
confirmed. “Simba were impressed with how Stellenbosch conducted themselves
in the Confederation Cup and how Barker set his team up. From there, his
name stayed in internal discussions, and they moved decisively when the
opportunity arose.”
Simba officials reportedly tracked Stellenbosch’s sustained domestic
performance in the Betway Premiership, noting Barker’s ability to keep the
club competitive despite a modest budget and the regular departure of key
players.
The move marks the end of a transformative six-year era for Barker at
Stellenbosch, where he engineered their rise into a top-flight force and
pioneered their entry into African football. Acknowledging the difficulty of
the departure, Barker described his decision as “bittersweet.”
“It is a bittersweet decision, but I feel the time is right for Stellenbosch
to enter a new era with someone else at the helm, and I can only wish the
Club continued success in the future,” he stated.
For Barker, the compelling draw was the chance to helm a continental
powerhouse. “I believe that taking up a new and exciting challenge at one of
the biggest clubs on the continent is something I need to pursue to further
my own personal growth and ambitions as a coach,” he explained. “I’m
grateful that my time with Stellenbosch has helped open that door.”
