Steve Barker era at Simba SC starts Saturday

South African coach Steve Barkers’ era at Tanzania’s Simba SC starts on Saturday during Mapinduzi Cup. The former Stellenbosch FC mentor will lead the Dar-Es-Salaam-based giants when they face Muembe Makumbi City FC at New Amaan Complex.

This will be the first match in the East African country for the seasoned mentor after he parted ways with Stellenbosch FC two weeks ago to join the Tanzania’s Mainland Premier League club. He stepped in the shoes of Dimitri Pantev who was sacked.

Having finally reported for work this week, all eyes are on the award-winning Betway Premiership trainer to see how he intends to turn around the sleeping lion in terms of playing philosophy among others.

Ahead of the game, Barker expressed his delight to finally hit the ground running in Tanzania, saying his objective was to win the Mapinduzi Cup.

“Thank you for all the welcoming that I have received since I arrived in your beautiful country. It is an honour and privilege to be here. I am looking forward to the match,” the coach told Simba SC Facebook page.

“Our objective is to win the cup, but I do know that regardless of whoever you are playing with, you have to respect the opponents. We will respect whoever we will play. Preparations have gone well and I am looking forward to seeing the players in match situations. It is an opportunity for me to know the players better and the competitiveness around it.”

Barker has plenty on his plate to steer the unsteady ship as Simba SC, apart from Mapinduzi Cup, are competing on many fronts including the Mainland Premier League and the CAF Champions League group-stage.

What can Simba expect from Barker?

Speaking to Daily News of Tanzania, Simba SC spokesperson Ahmed Ally said all players are eager to re-start the campaign under the reign of the former Stellenbosch FC handler.

“The players are back on the training ground and the emphasis is on strength, conditioning and overall preparedness. Our goal is to ensure the team is fully ready for the challenges ahead,” Ally said.

He said Mapinduzi Cup offers Barker an opportunity to assess Simba SC’s squad and introduce his philosophy.

“This tournament presents an important opportunity for the new coach to closely evaluate the squad and begin implementing his ideas. The arrival of the new coach signals a clear direction and shared ambition to raise performance standards,” Ally.

Barker has since travelled to Tanzania with a backroom team comprising two assistants, performance analyst Prinil Deen, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, former Zambia international goalkeeper and Sibusiso Makhula as their new fitness coach.