“We Have A Long-Term Plan” — Simba Chairman Sends Strong Message Amid Sundowns Links

Simba Chairman Drops Major Steve Barker Update As Mamelodi Sundowns Links Intensify

Simba SC chairman Crescentius Magori has reaffirmed the Tanzanian giants’ commitment to head coach Steve Barker, making it clear that the club has a long-term vision for the South African tactician despite reports linking him with a possible move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Barker has attracted attention following his impressive work in Tanzania, where he has helped Simba establish themselves as serious contenders in domestic football and secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.

His progress has reportedly placed him on Sundowns’ radar following the Brazilians’ disappointing elimination from Africa’s premier club competition. However, there is no confirmed indication that Sundowns have formally approached Simba to negotiate for Barker’s services.

For Simba, the growing speculation comes at a time when the club is keen to maintain stability and build on its recent progress.

Magori has expressed confidence in Barker’s work and indicated that the club wants the relationship to continue beyond the current agreement.

The Simba leadership believes the South African coach has demonstrated that he can help develop the squad and guide the club towards its ambitions. Reports also indicate that the management is considering improved contractual terms as it seeks to retain him.

The message from Dar es Salaam is therefore one of continuity rather than uncertainty. Simba are not publicly preparing supporters for Barker’s departure; instead, the club wants to keep the coach and continue building under his leadership.

Barker joined Simba in December 2025 after leaving Stellenbosch FC, where he spent almost nine years establishing himself as one of South Africa’s respected coaches.

His appointment represented a major step in his career, taking him from the Betway Premiership to one of Tanzania’s biggest football institutions.

Simba’s performances have helped explain why the club is determined to retain the coach.

The team made a strong start to the 2026/27 Tanzanian league campaign, winning its opening eight league matches and collecting 24 points, according to reports published by The Citizen on 28 October.

The run included a 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Young Africans in the Kariakoo Derby on 10 October, further strengthening Barker’s standing among Simba supporters.

The club has also secured a place in the CAF Champions League group stage after defeating Equatorial Guinea’s FC 15 de Agosto de Akonibe 9-1 on aggregate.

Barker has made it clear that qualification is only the beginning, with the next objective being to compete strongly against Africa’s leading clubs and reach the knockout rounds.

Could Sundowns Lure Him Back To South Africa?

The reported Sundowns interest has added another dimension to Barker’s growing reputation.

The Pretoria club has been linked with possible coaching changes following its early Champions League exit against Angola’s Wiliete SC. However, neither Sundowns nor Simba has confirmed negotiations over Barker.

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