Simba SC Reaffirm Commitment to Coach Steve Barker Amid Mamelodi Sundowns Rumors

Tanzanian football club Simba SC has moved to quash rumors that coach Steve Barker is set to leave for South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. According to the club's Information and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally, Barker remains committed to Simba and has a contract to honor. The speculation emerged after Barker's successful stint at Stellenbosch FC in South Africa, where he guided the team to promotion to the South African Premiership and won the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.

Ally emphasized that the club has discussed the rumors with Barker and found no indication that he is considering an exit. Barker recently returned to Tanzania from a short holiday in South Africa and has resumed training with the team. Simba SC is keen to maintain continuity in its technical department, particularly with the CAF Champions League campaign underway. The club's objective is to reach the Champions League semi-finals, and Barker is expected to lead the team towards achieving this ambitious target.

Barker's experience in South African football is considered an asset for Simba, especially as they prepare to face strong continental opposition in the Champions League. The team has been drawn in Group C alongside Orlando Pirates, RS Berkane, and Colombe Sportive, making qualification for the knockout stages a significant challenge. Simba SC wants to protect the technical progress made under Barker and ensure that the team builds on its recent success in reaching the Champions League group stage.

Before joining Simba in December 2025, Barker spent nearly nine years at Stellenbosch FC, establishing the club as a competitive force in domestic football. His achievements have strengthened his reputation, which may have contributed to the reported interest from Sundowns. However, Simba SC insists that there has been no official approach from the South African club and that Barker remains under contract.

The club's management wants Barker to complete the job he was brought to Dar es Salaam to accomplish, particularly given the team's unfinished CAF Champions League assignment. Simba SC's message is straightforward: Barker remains under contract, the semi-final target is still ahead, and the club expects him to finish the job. For now, Barker's attention remains on preparing Simba for their domestic commitments and the demanding Champions League campaign.

Simba SC's decision to retain Barker is also driven by a desire to build on the team's recent success and create a stable technical environment. The club believes that Barker has more work to do, particularly in terms of building a team capable of competing beyond the domestic scene. By maintaining continuity in the technical department, Simba SC hopes to make a deeper run in the Champions League and establish itself as a major force in African football.

As the CAF Champions League campaign heats up, Simba SC will look to Barker to lead the team to success. With his experience and expertise, the club is confident that Barker can help them achieve their objectives and make a lasting impact in African football. The team's fans will be eagerly watching as Simba SC takes on the challenges of the Champions League, and Barker's leadership will be crucial in determining the team's success.

Key points

• Simba SC has dismissed speculation about coach Steve Barker leaving for Mamelodi Sundowns, citing his contract and unfinished CAF Champions League goals.