Simba SC Chairman Backs Steve Barker With Long-Term Plan Amid Sundowns Links

Tanzanian football giants Simba SC have reaffirmed their commitment to head coach Steve Barker, insisting that the club has a long-term plan with the South African tactician despite reports linking him with a possible move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

The development comes amid growing speculation surrounding Barker’s future, with the former Stellenbosch FC coach reportedly attracting interest from the reigning South African football heavyweights. However, Simba’s leadership appears determined to maintain stability and continue building around the coach as the club pursues its ambitions.

Barker’s reported links with Sundowns have attracted attention in South African football, particularly because of his experience in the Premier Soccer League and his work at Stellenbosch FC. During his time with the Cape Winelands outfit, he helped establish the club as a competitive force, earning recognition for its performances in domestic competitions.

His coaching experience and familiarity with South African football have made speculation about a possible return to the PSL an interesting talking point. Nevertheless, Simba SC’s latest position suggests that the Tanzanian club is focused on its own project rather than being distracted by rumours surrounding the coach.

The chairman’s statement about a long-term plan is significant because it indicates that Simba want continuity in the technical department. Building a successful team requires more than recruiting talented players; it also involves establishing a clear football philosophy, improving squad cohesion and giving the coaching staff time to implement their ideas.

For Simba, maintaining confidence in Barker could be part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team and compete for major honours in Tanzania and on the African continent. The club has traditionally maintained high expectations, with supporters demanding strong domestic performances and progress in continental competitions.

However, reports linking Barker to Sundowns are not, on their own, confirmation that the coach will leave Simba. Until an official announcement establishes otherwise, his future should be viewed in the context of the club’s publicly expressed commitment.

The situation also highlights the growing movement of coaching talent across African football, with successful tacticians attracting interest beyond their home leagues.

For now, Simba SC’s message is clear: the club wants to build for the future with Steve Barker as part of its plans. Whether the reported Sundowns interest develops into something concrete remains to be seen, but the chairman’s position gives Simba supporters reason to focus on the team’s long-term ambitions rather than speculation.

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