Simba SC head coach Steve Barker remains determined despite his team’s early exit from the CAF Champions League, insisting their continental ambitions are far from over.
The Tanzanian side finished bottom of Group D with just five points, managing one win, two draws, and three losses.
Barker, who took over from Stellenbosch FC in mid-December, had been tasked with guiding Simba deep into Africa’s premier club competition, but the team fell short of expectations.
Speaking to the club’s media, Barker praised his players’ efforts and stressed that the experience would serve as motivation for the future.
“To you guys as players, I think you can be proud of what you’re doing. We know we are still going to grow, get better, and keep progressing,” Barker told the club’s media department.
“But in the last three Champions League games, the way you showed character and commitment, let’s remember, gents, it felt good to win today.
“We are not done with this competition. We have to fight so that next season we are back in the Champions League, because we have unfinished business.
“All right, we will come back stronger next season in the Champions League and go further than we have this season.”
Turning his attention to domestic football, Barker urged Simba to refocus on the league, where they currently sit seventh. With eight games in hand, a strong run could propel them back to the top of the table.
“The Champions League is over, so our big focus will be the league. That’s going to be our main priority,” he added.
“Let’s make sure we are all focused and ready to go all the way, giving our best to challenge for the league.”
