Stellenbosch FC has confirmed that Steve Barker stepped down from his position as Head Coach in order to take up a new role abroad with Tanzanian Premier League side Simba SC.
The Club has hailed Steve Barker as hero because he joined them many years ago helped it to become the most-respected football team in the country through his achievements.
"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 2018-2019 National First Division champions, before becoming the first-team to win the Carling Knockout in 2023.
"Barker also guided the Club to back-to-back finals in the MTN competition in 2024 and 2025 and to consecutive qualifications to the CAF Confederation Cup.
"Confirming his decision to leave after nearly nine years with Stellenbosch, Barker explained the reason behind his departure and expressed his gratitude to the Club's management, staff, and players past and present for their support during his tenure," the Club said in a statement.
Barker has thanked the management of Stellenbosch FC for trusting him all these years and mentioned his decision to leave the club is for personal growth as coach.
“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,” said Barker.
"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.”
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie also paid tribute to Barker for his remarkable service and for helping build the foundations that will ensure a seamless transition into a new era for the Club,the statement concluded.