It’s a bittersweet decision – Coach Steve Barker breaks silence on Stellenbosch FC departure

Coach Steve Barker has broken silence on his shock move from Stellenbosch FC to Tanzanian football heavyweights, Simba FC.

Barker recently penned a two-year deal with Simba SC, bringing an end to his nine year spell at Stellenbosch FC.

He replaces Dimitar Pantev, who was shown the exit door following an unsatisfactory performance with the Tanzanian giants.

Barker achieved significant success during his spell with the South African outfit, including winning the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

And according to him, it was a bittersweet decision departing Stellenbosch FC for Simba SC.

“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 said via Kickoff website.

“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, and I’m grateful that my time with Stellenbosch has helped open that door,” he said.

“I would like to thank each and every person at the Club for playing such an important and influential role in my time at Stellenbosch. I will forever cherish the memories we made together”