Former Simba SC coach Dylan Kerr has identified one key aspect that will help Steve Barker win over the club’s supporters in Tanzania. Barker recently stepped down as coach of Stellenbosch FC after a nine-year tenure with the club.
He steered the side from the second-tier league to automatic promotion in 2021, and also won the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.
Stellies have also qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup for two successive seasons under the guidance of the 58-year-old, reaching the semi-finals in the last edition of the continental club competition.
TOUGH TASK LIES AHEAD FOR COACH STEVE BARKER IN TANZANIA
Barker now takes over one of the most demanding jobs in African football. Simba, one of the most supported clubs in Africa, is a powerhouse in Tanzania.
The 22-time Tanzanian League champions have not won the league since 2021, with rivals Young Africans dominating for the past few seasons. The club is currently bottom of Group D in the CAF Champions League after two defeats in their opening two games.
WHAT DYLAN KERR SAID ABOUT FORMER STELLENBOSCH FC COACH’S TASK AT SIMBA SC
Kerr, who spent the 2015/16 season at the Tanzanian giants, says Barker should target a win against Yanga to win over the supporters.
“The biggest thing he needs to do is to beat Yanga. That’s all Simba coaches have to do to ease the pressure on themselves,” Kerr told FARPost.
“It’s the same when you are at Yanga, all you need to do is beat Simba. There are 18 teams in the league, but the three biggest teams are Yanga, Simba, and Azam SC. Simba and Yanga are like Chiefs and Pirates. When Simba plays away, it will be full of Simba fans.
“Everybody in Tanzania backs Simba, and if you can get the backing of those supporters, you will be a hero. If he does, then on his first game when they play them, he will be a hero forever. It means so much to the supporters. But I wish him all the best, and I hope it really goes well. He’s chosen to leave a very good club with amazing facilities, and let’s hope he continues with his journey to Tanzania.”
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