Barker reveals hunger behind shock Stellenbosch exit

South African coach Steve Barker has opened up about his decision to leave Stellenbosch FC for Tanzanian side Simba SC, revealing the honest reasons behind his move.

Barker parted ways with the Cape Winelands side in mid-December 2025 to take up a high-profile role at the East African giants.

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Having spent almost a decade with Stellies, the 58-year-old mentor guided the club to their first top tier major trophy when they lifted the Carling Knockout Cup in 2023.

Moreso, Barker also played a key role in their rise to the top flight, having led them to promotion from the National First Division during the 2018/19 campaign.

In addition, he transformed the Maroons into a competitive Premiership side, with the team consistently challenging for domestic trophies every season under his leadership.

However, despite his strong emotional connection to Stellenbosch, Barker explained that the opportunity in Tanzania was one he could not turn down.

"I was ready for this type of challenge," Barker said, speaking in the May edition of KICK OFF Magazine.

"I wanted to go to a club with high expectations, one that wants to compete and win trophies both domestically and on the continent."

The South African described his new club as big and ambitious, presenting him with a good challenge and opportunity.

"Like players, coaches also want to be at clubs where there is pressure to win."

"Simba is a big club with ambition, and it is a demanding environment with high expectations. That is part of coaching and part of the journey.

"This type of pressure must be embraced, knowing you are competing at the top level."

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Simba are currently second in the league table, trailing Young Africans SC by five points with eight matches remaining.

Barker will be hoping to close the gap in the title race, especially after Wekundu wa Msimbazi's early exit from the CAF Champions League.