Tanzania: Simba coach Steve Barker named Coach of the Month

South African tactician Steve Barker has clinched his first individual accolade as head coach of Simba SC, earning the Tanzanian Premier League Coach of the Month award.

The 58-year-old made the bold move abroad in December 2025, ending a long and successful spell with Stellenbosch FC to take charge of the Tanzanian heavyweights.

During nearly a decade in the Cape Winelands, Barker built a strong reputation and also had stints with top-flight sides such as AmaZulu FC, Mpumalanga Black Aces and University of Pretoria FC.

His arrival at Simba came with significant expectations, given the club’s stature on the continent. Yet Barker has adapted swiftly, leaning on his experience to steady the ship and instil consistency within the squad.

Since taking over, the Msimbazi Reds have shown gradual improvement and currently occupy fourth place in the league standings, trailing leaders Young Africans SC by nine points.

Barker’s recognition follows an impressive February run, during which he guided the team to two victories and a draw.

His performances edged out competition from Pedro Gonçalves of Young Africans and Florent Ibenge, who leads Azam FC.

Attention now turns to sustaining that momentum, with Barker keen to mount a stronger title push despite the club’s early exit from the CAF Champions League—a campaign he joined midway through under difficult circumstances.

Simba will look to extend their fine form when they face Pamba Jiji FC on Thursday. With several games in hand due to their continental commitments, Barker’s side still has an opportunity to close the gap at the top.