South African coach Steve Barker has opened up on his decision to leave Stellenbosch FC for Tanzanian giants Simba SC, saying the opportunity to compete at a higher level and chase trophies both domestically and on the continent was too compelling to refuse.
Barker ended a near decade-long spell with the Cape Winelands side in mid-December 2025, bringing to a close one of the most transformative coaching tenures in South African football in recent years.
During his time at Stellenbosch, the 58-year-old guided the club to their first major top-flight silverware when they won the Carling Knockout Cup in 2023.
He also oversaw their rise to the Premiership after securing promotion from the National First Division in the 2018/19 season, establishing the Maroons as consistent contenders in domestic competitions.
Despite his strong emotional ties to the club, Barker said the ambition and pressure at Simba made the move an attractive next step in his career.
“I was ready for this type of challenge,” Barker told KICK OFF. “I wanted to go to a club with high expectations, one that wants to compete and win trophies both domestically and on the continent.”
He added that working under pressure is part of a coach’s development and something he embraces fully.
“Like players, coaches also want to be at clubs where there is pressure to win. Simba is a big club with ambition, and it is a demanding environment with high expectations. That is part of coaching and part of the journey. This type of pressure must be embraced, knowing you are competing at the top level.”
At the time of his arrival, Simba SC sit second in the league, five points behind rivals Young Africans SC with eight matches remaining in the title race.
Barker will now be tasked with closing that gap and delivering immediate success, particularly after Simba’s early exit from the CAF Champions League.
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