Dar es Salaam. Simba SC have unveiled Steve Barker as their new head coach, ending his nine-year stay at Stellenbosch and marking a new chapter in the Msimbazi Street giants’ technical leadership.
The South African tactician, who was announced on Friday, December 19, 2025, joins Simba SC after parting ways with Stellenbosch FC, a club competing in South Africa’s top-flight league, where he had built a strong reputation for tactical discipline and competitive performances.
Barker replaces Dimitar Pantev, who left the club earlier this month following a run of unsatisfactory results, particularly in international competitions where Simba failed to meet expectations.
The club’s management explained that the decision to make a coaching change was taken after careful evaluation of recent performances and the long-term ambitions of the club at both domestic and continental level.
Steve is a highly respected coach in South African football, known for his structured playing philosophy, strong defensive organisation, and ability to compete effectively in CAF tournaments.
Last season, Barker guided Stellenbosch FC to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, an impressive achievement that highlighted his coaching credentials on the continental stage.
Ironically, Stellenbosch’s journey in that competition was ended by Simba SC themselves, who edged Barker’s side with a narrow 1–0 aggregate victory over two closely contested legs.
Despite the elimination, Barker earned praise for the way his team competed against Simba, displaying resilience, tactical awareness, and disciplined performances across both matches.
In the current season, Barker once again led Stellenbosch FC into the CAF Confederation Cup and had already taken charge of two group-stage matches before his departure.
He recorded a 1–0 home victory against Otoho FC and secured a valuable 1–1 away draw against Singida Black Stars, results that further underlined his experience and readiness for the challenge now awaiting him at Simba SC.
