Simba SC has moved to reassure its supporters that head coach Steve Barker remains committed to the club amid reports linking him with a possible move to Mamelodi Sundowns. The speculation emerged following Sundowns' reported interest in identifying a replacement for Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso after their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League.
Simba Information and Communications Manager Ahmed Ally has dismissed speculation about Barker's potential departure, insisting that the coach is willing to continue with the Tanzanian giants and that the club has received no official approach from Sundowns. Barker joined Simba in December 2025 on a two-year contract after leaving Stellenbosch FC, where he spent nearly nine years building his reputation in South African football.
The existing agreement provides Simba with a degree of contractual security, although speculation over Barker's future has intensified following his impressive start to the 2026/2027 campaign. Reports published by South African football outlets have identified Barker as a potential candidate should Sundowns decide to make changes to their technical bench. Nevertheless, the reported interest remains unconfirmed.
The situation has attracted attention because Sundowns are among Africa's most established clubs, with substantial financial resources and ambitions to compete consistently for domestic and continental honours. A move to Pretoria would represent a return to South Africa for Barker, but Simba are determined to retain the coach as they pursue their own ambitions.
The coach's growing reputation has been reinforced by Simba's strong domestic form, having won its opening eight league matches, collecting 24 points while scoring 19 goals and conceding four. The run included a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Young Africans in the Kariakoo Derby on October 10, a result that strengthened Simba's position at the top of the league standings.
Simba's board chairman, Crescentius Magori, has previously expressed confidence in Barker's ability to continue building a competitive team, indicating that Simba have a long-term vision for the coach. Magori also acknowledged that other clubs were interested in Barker but said Simba wanted to retain him and would consider improving his contractual terms.
For now, Simba's message is that Barker remains committed to his work in Dar es Salaam, with his contract still in force and no confirmed approach from Sundowns. His immediate task is to maintain Simba's impressive momentum while helping the club translate its promising start into sustained success in Tanzania and on the continental stage.
Key points
- Simba SC has dismissed speculation that head coach Steve Barker is leaving for Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Barker joined Simba in December 2025 on a two-year contract and has had an impressive start to the 2026/2027 campaign.
- Simba's board chairman, Crescentius Magori, has expressed confidence in Barker's ability to continue building a competitive team.
