Barker Feels It’s The Right Time To Step Down
Former Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker says the time was right for him to step aside, following his shock appointment as the new head coach of Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
Barker leaves Stellenbosch with great achievements, despite the team’s struggles this season, which saw them fall outside the top 8 of the Betway Premiership in the first half of the season.
Since his appointment as the head coach of Stellies in 2017, Barker helped the club gain promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the Betway Premiership in the 2018/19 season.
The 57-year-old also guided Stellenbosch to their first trophy in the Premiership, winning the Carling Knockout in 2023, and led them to consecutive MTN8 finals in 2024 and 2025.
The former AmaZulu mentor also helped Stellies participate in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in their history, reaching the semifinals last season and the group stages this season.
“It is a bittersweet decision, but I feel the time is right for Stellenbosch to enter a new era with someone else at the helm. I can only wish the club continued success in the future,” Barker said.
“I believe that taking up a new and exciting challenge at one of the biggest clubs on the continent is something I need to pursue furthering my own personal growth and ambitions as a coach. I’m grateful that my time with Stellenbosch has helped open that door.
“I would like to thank every person at the club for playing such an important and influential role in my time at Stellenbosch. I will forever cherish the memories we made together.”
Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie also paid tribute to Barker, praising his outstanding service and his role in building strong foundations for the club’s future.
“Steve’s achievements in the field speak for themselves, but his influence has been just as important in helping shape the culture, identity, and professional standards that have become synonymous with Stellenbosch in recent years,” Benadie said.
“To serve a single club for nearly nine years in the modern game reflects not only remarkable loyalty, but also a deep commitment to our long-term vision, which remains firmly on track thanks in no small part to his contributions.
“While Steve’s departure marks the end of an important and fruitful chapter in our history, the club is well-positioned for the future with the belief that our structures and philosophy will ensure continuity and stability as we move into the next phase of our journey.
“Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude, both personally and on behalf of Stellenbosch, to Steve and his family for their commitment and support throughout his time at the club. We wish them nothing but success in Tanzania.”
Barker joins Simba as the club’s second South African head coach, following Fadlu Davids.
The 2024/25 Coach of the Season nominee will work alongside fellow South Africans Neo Maema and Rushine De Reuck and is set to make his debut for the club in January, following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations.
