“I’ve Always Had Many Battles Against Them” — Steve Barker Sends Message To Orlando Pirates

Steve Barker Sends Orlando Pirates A Strong CAF Champions League Message After Group Stage Draw

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has expressed his excitement about facing Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League, but the former Stellenbosch FC coach has also made it clear that he expects a difficult contest against the South African champions.

The Tanzanian giants were drawn alongside Pirates in Group C of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage following Wednesday’s draw in Cairo, Egypt. The group also features Moroccan side RS Berkane and Cameroonian newcomers Colombe Sportive.

For Barker, the meeting with the Buccaneers carries a special significance because of his long coaching history in South African football. During his time at Stellenbosch, he faced Pirates on several occasions and became familiar with the demands of competing against one of the country’s biggest clubs.

Speaking to Azam TV after the draw, Barker welcomed the opportunity to renew that rivalry on the continental stage.

“I am excited to be playing against Orlando Pirates; I’ve always had many battles against them back in South Africa. They’re also a really good team, having won the Premiership in South Africa last season. So tough opponent,” Barker said.

His comments show that he recognises the quality and experience Pirates will bring into the group. They also set the stage for an intriguing reunion between a coach who knows South African football and a club that will be eager to make its mark in Africa.

Barker did not limit his assessment to Pirates. He also acknowledged the strength of RS Berkane, a club with considerable experience in continental competitions.

The Simba coach explained that he was already familiar with the Moroccan outfit through previous encounters involving both Simba and Stellenbosch.

He also warned against overlooking Colombe Sportive, who will be making their debut in the CAF Champions League group stage.

That makes Group C a demanding assignment for Simba, with every opponent presenting a different challenge.

However, Barker believes that reaching the latter stages of the competition requires teams to overcome difficult groups rather than look for an easier route.

Despite acknowledging the quality of the opposition, Barker has set a clear objective for his team: qualification for the knockout stages.

“The target is to qualify for the knockout stages; that’s the target, 100%. Our desire is high to get ourselves into the knockout stages,” he explained.

He added that Simba believe they have the quality and ambition to compete strongly, while insisting that the team must begin well and maintain its level throughout the group campaign.

The Tanzanian club secured its place in the group stage after an emphatic 9-1 aggregate victory over Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto in the qualifying rounds.

Orlando Pirates enter the competition as South Africa’s sole representative in the CAF Champions League group stage following Mamelodi Sundowns’ elimination by Angola’s Wiliete SC.

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