Former Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has secured his first piece of silverware in Tanzania, leading Simba SC to a hard-fought victory over arch-rivals Young Africans SC [Yanga] in the Muungano Cup final on Wednesday night.
A decisive 1-0 win in extra-time was enough for Barker and his men to edge Yanga in a high-stakes Kariakoo Derby to lift the trophy at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Selemani Mwalimu proved to be the hero for the Tanzanian giants, Simba, converting a penalty in the 124th minute to win the tie.
The South African-born mentor, Barker, took over the coaching reins at the Simba in December 2025, ending a historic nine-year tenure at the Cape Winelands-based outfit, Stellies.
Barker penned a two-year contract with the club, succeeding Bulgarian tactician Dimitar Pantev. The latter had previously stepped in following the departure of another South African coach, Fadlu Davids, who resigned to rejoin Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic.
Barker’s leadership was also recognised as he was named Best Coach of the Tournament.
Meanwhile, former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck earned individual awards, securing both the Man of the Match accolade and the Most Valuable Player [MVP] award.
STEVE BARKER’S SUCCESSFUL START IN TANZANIA
Since his arrival, Barker’s stint in Dar es Salaam has been nothing short of impressive. His work speaks for itself, as he has already earned himself individual recognition, bagging back-to-back NBC Premier League Coach of the Month awards for February and March 2026.
In February, Barker guided Simba to two victories and a draw. He followed that up with an unbeaten run in March, recording two wins and two draws in four outings.
These stellar displays have kept Simba in contention for the league title behind rivals Yanga. As it stands, Simba occupy second position on the NBC Premier League standings with 42 points from 19 matches.
They currently sit five points adrift of log leaders Yanga, with the title race expected to go down to the wire.
The two sides will meet again on Sunday, 3 May, in a league encounter at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The kick-off is set for 16:00 [South African time].
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