Following his high-profile appointment as the new head coach of Simba SC, Steve Barker has penned a heartfelt tribute to Stellenbosch FC, bidding an emotional farewell to the Winelands-based outfit.
A week ago, Barker sparked a shockwave in the South African football fraternity by stepping down as coach of Stellenbosch, ending his long-standing relationship with the club.
The experienced mentor has been with Stellies for over eight years, taking over the coaching role in 2017 and helping them gain promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the Betway Premiership.
Barker went on to build a competitive squad that has been challenging big teams for trophies, which include winning the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup against TS Galaxy. Meanwhile, over the past three seasons, Stellenbosch has consistently finished in the top three of the league table, qualifying for the CAF interclub competition.
But in the current campaign, Barker has had a turbulent run with Stellenbosch, struggling for consistent winning form. They are sitting 14th on the log with 12 points after 14 matches.
After his exit from the Western Cape-based side a few days ago, the former AmaTuks mentor has thanked everyone at the club for their tireless work while expressing his excitement about the new chapter with the Tanzanian giants.
WHAT STEVE BARKER SAID ABOUT STELLENBOSCH EXIT
“To the Stellenbosch FC family, the town of Stellenbosch, and every supporter who believed. As I sit down to write this, I do so with a full heart, deep gratitude, and emotions that are difficult to put into words,” Barker said on Instagram.
“Nine years ago, I arrived in Stellenbosch with a vision, belief, and a dream of what this club from the Winelands could become. What followed was a journey far greater than I could ever have imagined — one built on trust, hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
“From humble beginnings to standing proudly among the best in South African football, Stellenbosch FC became a club respected for its identity, its values, and its football. We built something sustainable, something meaningful — a culture rooted in development, unity, and belief.
“To the players — past and present — thank you for giving everything for the badge. Your discipline, sacrifices, and character made the vision real. Many of you arrived as prospects and left as leaders, and that will always be one of my proudest achievements.
“To the technical team, medical staff, analysts, and every person behind the scenes – your tireless work often went unseen, but it never went unnoticed. This journey was a collective effort, and I am forever grateful to have walked it with you.
“To the club’s leadership and ownership, thank you for trusting me with this project, for allowing patience to guide progress, and for believing in long-term growth over shortcuts. That trust gave us the foundation to build something truly special.
BARKER EXPRESSES EXCITEMENT ABOUT SIMBA CHALLENGE
“And to the supporters — the heartbeat of Stellenbosch FC — thank you for standing by us through every high and low. Your belief, your presence, and your pride in this club gave us strength on the toughest days and joy on the greatest nights. Representing this town and its people has been one of the greatest honours of my career.
“As I now prepare to take on a new challenge with Simba SC, I do so with excitement and deep humility. Simba SC is a historic African football institution with passionate supporters, strong values, and a proud winning tradition.
“To be entrusted with the role of Head Coach is a true honour, and I am incredibly motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the club’s continued success on both the domestic and continental stage. I look forward to embracing the challenge, the culture, and the responsibility that come with representing such a great club.
“While I am excited about what lies ahead, I leave Stellenbosch with nothing but appreciation and respect for what we have built together. Stellenbosch FC will always be part of who I am. This club shaped me as a coach, as a leader, and as a person.”
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