Steve Barker has opened up for the first time about his abrupt departure from Stellenbosch FC, revealing that uncertainty over a new contract paved the way for his shock move to Simba SC.
Barker’s exit from the Winelands outfit in December 2015 came as a surprise after he had spent nearly nine years at the club and played a key role in transforming them from a second-tier outfit into a competitive top-flight side.
At the time, the reasons for his sudden departure were not fully explained. Now, speaking exclusively to FARPost, Barker has revealed that he was in the final year of his contract when Simba came calling.
The coach had already held discussions with Stellenbosch about extending his stay, but negotiations had dragged on without reaching an agreement.
“Not many people are aware, but I was in the final year of my contract, and I’d spoken to the club about an extension and moving forward,” Barker told FARPost.
“Unfortunately, it took a while, and by the time December arrived, I hadn’t yet secured a contract for the following season.”
That uncertainty coincided with an approach from Simba, one of Tanzania’s biggest clubs and a regular contender for domestic honours and for continental success.
SIMBA OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHALLENGE FOR HONOURS
For Barker, the opportunity was a chance to step outside his comfort zone and test himself at a club with ambitions to win trophies.
“Then Simba called, and I saw it as an opportunity to go to a club that challenges for league titles and cups,” he explained.
“It was a big team on the continent, so I felt that, at this stage in my career, it was an important move for me to go and coach and try to win league titles.”
The timing ultimately made the decision easier. With no new contract secured at Stellies, Barker felt the opportunity to spread his wings and experience a different football environment was one he could not ignore.
“So yeah, that was an opportunity that was afforded to me. Without any contract finalised going forward, it just made sense for me that it was time to spread my wings a bit and challenge myself in a different environment,” he said.
Interestingly, Barker’s move to Tanzania has since proved rewarding. The former Stellenbosch coach ended his first season with Simba by winning two trophies, the CRDB Bank Federation Cup after beating Azam FC and the Muungano Cup.
Simba also challenged for the league title, but they ultimately lost out to their rivals on the final day of the campaign. He has now been tasked with building on that success and securing further silverware for the Tanzanian giants.
“I’m very pleased that it panned out, but obviously it’s still early days. It’s only six months at the club, and I’ve got to keep looking to achieve and bring success to Simba Sports Club,” Barker said.
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