Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that Steve Barker has stepped down from his role as Head Coach in order to take up a new role at Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
On Friday afternoon, Simba announced that Barker would be steering the ship going forward after the club parted ways with Dimitar Pantev, who had been in charge since October, bringing to an end an eight-year relationship at Stellies.
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The former AmaZulu FC head coach had been with the Cape Winelands outfit for eight years with the club having been in existence for just nine years. After one season in the NFD, Barker was hired as head coach, replacing Sammy Troughton.
Stellies have since explained the reason behind Barker’s decision to quit the club with the coach expressing his gratitude to the club.
“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, and I can only wish the Club continued success in the future,” Barker said in the statement.
“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 to further my own personal growth and ambitions as a coach, and I’m grateful that my time with Stellenbosch has helped open that door.
“I would like to thank each and 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.”
Club CEO Rob Benadie took time to pay tribute to Barker for his remarkable service to the club over the years and how far he has taken them.
“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 added.
“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.”
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