Long-serving Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has officially resigned to take over at Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC. The announcement, made on Friday evening, marks the end of an era for the Cape Winelands outfit.
Barker has been at the helm of Stellenbosch since 2017 and was the longest-serving coach in the Betway Premiership. Under his guidance, ‘Stellies’ rose from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to become a consistent top-flight force. They famously clinched the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.
Barker, likely lured by Simba’s ambition and continental pedigree, replaces Bulgarian tactician Dimitar Pantev, just two months into Pantev’s tenure. Pantev took over the Simba hotseat when Fadlu Davids left the club for Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.