Simba SC’s management has made its position clear regarding head coach Steve Barker’s future following reports linking him with South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Msimbazi hierarchy planning to offer him a new long-term contract.
Despite growing speculation about Sundowns’ interest in the coach, sources within Simba say the club has no intention of letting Barker leave at this time.
Instead, Simba officials have begun putting plans in place to ensure the coach remains at Msimbazi for an extended period, including offering him a new contract with improved terms.
Recently, Mamelodi Sundowns were linked with a move for Barker as a potential replacement for Miguel Cardoso. The reports sparked widespread debate among Simba supporters, who want the coach to continue his work at the club.
Since taking charge of Simba in December 2025, Barker has played an important role in the club’s efforts to restore competitiveness to the squad, strengthening the confidence that both the management and supporters have in him.
A source within the club said Barker is happy to continue working in Tanzania and that contract extension talks are already part of the management’s plans.
"Barker is very much part of Msimbazi and he is enjoying life here. Sundowns may be interested in him because he is a top coach, but the truth is that there is no possibility of him leaving. The management is already in talks to offer him a new, improved long-term contract to secure our technical bench," the source said.
Barker’s current contract is expected to expire in early 2027, prompting Simba to begin discussions early about extending their partnership and avoiding uncertainty surrounding the future of the technical bench.
In terms of the club’s ambitions, Simba want to maintain their strength in domestic competitions while placing greater emphasis on their CAF Champions League campaign.
