Steve Barker has broken his silence on his exit from Stellenbosch FC, providing clarity on the circumstances that led to his sudden departure from the club he helped transform into a top-flight powerhouse.
The coach’s exit at the Betway Premiership side brings an end to a historic nine-year tenure in the Western Cape, concluding his chapter as the longest-serving head coach for Stellies in the PSL with 309 official matches under his belt . The veteran tactician has opted for a fresh challenge in East Africa, with Tanzanian giants Simba SC officially unveiling him as their new mentor on Friday, 19 December 2025.
Barker will replace Dimitar Pantev, who has cut ties with Simba just two months after taking the reins from SA tactician Fadlu Davids, who has since joined Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.
Under Barker’s transformative leadership, Stellenbosch evolved from a Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit into a legitimate powerhouse of South African football.
Since taking the reins in 2017, the 57-year-old architected the club’s promotion to the SA elite league and delivered their first piece of major silverware with the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup. His tenure reached its zenith with back-to-back MTN8 final appearances in 2024 and 2025, alongside consecutive forays into the CAF Confederation Cup.
In a poetic twist of fate, Barker’s continental journey with the Stellies last season ended in the semi-finals at the hands of Simba SC—the very side he now joins.
WHAT STEVE BARKER SAID ABOUT LEAVING STELLENBOSCH FC
Barker stated that resigning as Stellenbosch coach wasn’t an easy decision; however, he felt it was the right time to start a new chapter in his career elsewhere.
“It’s 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,” said Barker.
“I believe that taking up a new and exciting challenge at one of the biggest clubs on the [African] 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.
“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. But, I will forever cherish the memories we made together.”
The club confirmed that Barker’s successor will be announced in due course. According to local reports, Gavin Hunt, who recently parted ways with Durban City FC, is reportedly the top runner to take over from Barker.
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