Former Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has beefed up his Simba SC backroom staff with members who previously worked for Betway Premiership clubs.
Barker was recently appointed Simba coach after surprisingly dumping the Cape Winelands outfit. His Stellenbosch departure marked the end of his time at the club since 2017.
The Maroons have since named Gavin Hunt as their new coach as they begin post-Barker life. Barker himself arrived in Tanzania early this week to start his duties at Wekundu wa Msimbazi.
The former AmaZulu and AmaTuks coach replaced Dimitar Pantev at Simba after the Bulgarian had joined the club following the departure of Fadlu Davids to Raja Casablanca. Barker finds Simba fifth on the Tanzanian Premier League with five points fewer than leaders JKT Tanzania.
What could, however, give Simba hopes of claiming top spot is that they have played five games less than JKT. Their fiercest rivals Young Africans are second and four points better, having played a game more.
WHO ARE THE MEN ROPED IN BY BARKER AT SIMBA?
The 58-year-old coach has added former Mamelodi Sundowns performance analyst Prinil Deen in the same role. Deen has also previously worked at Chippa United where he was under Sinethemba Badela for a brief spell.
Also joining Barker is former Zambia international goalkeeper Davies Phiri. A former Golden Arrows and Free State Stars goalkeeper, Phiri is now the Simba goalkeeping coach. He has held the same role at Arrows and AmaZulu before.
The 49-year-old has had two stints as Zambia goalkeeping coach, including during the time when Chipolopolo won the 2012 AFCON title and worked with Kennedy Mweene.
Former Sekhukhune United and Upington City strength and conditioning coach Sibusiso Makhula will be the Simba fitness trainer.
Selemani Matola, an ex-SuperSport United and Tanzania international will be Barker’s assistant coach. The 47-year-old is familiar with Simba surroundings after playing for the club before he retired and has also been an assistant coach at Wekundu wa Msimbazi.
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