Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that Steve Barker has stepped down as head coach as he prepares for his new position at Tanzanian Premier League outfit Simba SC.
READ: Steve Barker steps down as head coach of Stellies
Simba announced on Friday that Barker will take over the helm of the club and will replace Dimitar Pantev as their new head coach.
Barker brought an end to his eight-year stay at Stellies after the club confirmed his shocking departure.
Stellies have explained the reason for his departure and also expressed their gratitude towards the departed coach.
“Steve’s achievements on 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 FC 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 FC, to Steve and his family for their commitment and support throughout his time at the Club. We wish them nothing but success in Tanzania.”
Stellenbosch FC have since released the following statement on the matter, which reads:
Stellenbosch FC can confirm that Steve Barker has stepped down from his position as Head Coach in order to take up a new role abroad with Tanzanian Premier League side Simba SC.
Having initially joined Stellenbosch as an assistant coach to Sammy Troughton during the Club’s inaugural season, Barker was named as Head Coach in July 2017 in an appointment that would help establish the team as a household name in South African football.
Under his stewardship, which comprised 309 matches across all competitions, Stellenbosch gained promotion to the Premiership as 2018-19 National First Division champions, before becoming the first-ever team to win the revamped Carling Knockout in 2023.
Barker also guided the Club to back-to-back finals in the MTN8 competition in 2024 and 2025 and to
consecutive qualifications to the CAF Confederation Cup.
