Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie has reacted to the shock departure of long-serving head coach Steve Barker, hailing his tenure as a “fruitful chapter” that has left the club well-positioned for a new era.
Stellies officially confirmed the departure of Barker most recently, ending a transformative nine-year tenure that redefined the Winelands club. The announcement comes on the heels of a bombshell reveal from Tanzanian giants Simba SC, who have secured Barker’s services to lead their technical bench.
While the timing of the exit coincides with a difficult domestic run—Stellies currently sit 14th in the Betway Premiership—club CEO Rob Benadie has framed the departure as an opportunity for evolution rather than a crisis.
In an extensive tribute to the departing tactician, Benadie highlighted that Barker’s legacy extends far beyond the 249 matches he oversaw since his arrival in 2017.
“Steve’s achievements on the field speak for themselves, but his influence has been just as important in helping shape the culture, identity, and professional standards that have become synonymous with Stellenbosch FC,” Benadie stated.
Barker’s journey with the club was a masterclass in long-term project building. He steered the side from the second tier to automatic promotion in 2021, eventually transforming them into a continental contender and clinching the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup—the first major silverware in the club’s history.
STELLENBOSCH FC CEO PAYS TRIBUTE TO BARKER’S NINE-YEAR REIGN
Despite the emotional weight of losing the league’s longest-serving manager, Benadie was firm in his belief that the club’s internal structures are robust enough to handle the transition.
“To serve a single club for nearly nine years in the modern game reflects not only remarkable loyalty but also a deep commitment to our long-term vision,” Benadie noted, adding that the club’s blueprint remains “firmly on track.”
Addressing the future, the CEO signaled that the club is ready to embrace a new philosophy. “While Steve’s departure marks the end of an important and fruitful chapter, the club is well-positioned. Our structures will ensure continuity and stability as we move into the next phase of our journey.”
The Barker era at Stellenbosch FC, spanning from 2017 to 2025, was defined by a steady ascent from the second tier to the pinnacle of South African football.
Over the course of more than 249 matches, Barker oversaw the club’s pivotal promotion to the Betway Premiership in the 2020/21 season and successfully transitioned the side into a championship-winning outfit. This upward trajectory culminated in the historic 2023 Carling Knockout Cup triumph, marking the club’s first major domestic silverware. Beyond local success, Barker established the Winelands club as a continental competitor, securing back-to-back CAF Confederation Cup qualifications and leading the team to an impressive semi-final finish in their debut 2024 campaign.
The CEO concluded with a personal message of gratitude, acknowledging the human element of Barker’s near-decade in the Winelands.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Steve and his family for their commitment and support. We wish them nothing but success in Tanzania,” Benadie concluded.
As Barker prepares for the high-pressure environment of East African football with Simba SC, Stellenbosch now begins the search for a successor capable of revitalising a squad that has struggled for consistency this season, recording just three wins in 14 league outings.
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