Stellenbosch FC breaks silence on coach Barker’s shock exit as Vellios emerges favourite to take over

Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that long-serving head coach Steve Barker has stepped down from his role to take up a new challenge abroad with Tanzanian Premier League giants Simba SC.

Barker’s departure comes as a shock to many, given his nearly nine-year tenure at the Cape Winelands club. He first joined Stellenbosch as an assistant coach to Sammy Troughton during the team’s inaugural season, before being appointed head coach in July 2017. His leadership proved transformative, guiding the club from the lower divisions to becoming a respected force in South African football.

During his reign, Barker oversaw 309 matches across all competitions, leading Stellenbosch to promotion as 2018–19 National First Division champions. He also delivered historic silverware when Stellenbosch became the first-ever winners of the revamped Carling Knockout in 2023.

His tenure included back-to-back MTN8 finals in 2024 and 2025, as well as consecutive qualifications for the CAF Confederation Cup, cementing the club’s reputation on the continental stage.

Confirming his decision, Barker described his exit as bittersweet but necessary for personal growth.

“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,” he said.

“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 ambitions as a coach, and I’m grateful that my time with Stellenbosch has helped open that door.”

Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie paid tribute to Barker’s remarkable service, praising both his achievements and his influence off the pitch.

“Steve’s achievements on the field speak for themselves, but his influence has been just as important in helping shape the culture, identity, and professional standards that have become synonymous with Stellenbosch FC in recent years,” Benadie said.

Benadie highlighted Barker’s loyalty and commitment, noting that serving a single club for nearly nine years is rare in modern football. He assured supporters that the club’s structures and philosophy will ensure continuity and stability as Stellenbosch enters a new era. “While Steve’s departure marks the end of an important and fruitful chapter in our history, the Club is well positioned for the future,” he added.

What Next for Stellenbosch?

With Barker’s departure, Stellenbosch FC now face the challenge of appointing a new head coach to continue the momentum he built.

The club’s recent success in domestic cup competitions and qualification for continental football means the next appointment will be crucial in maintaining stability and ambition.

Early speculation suggests Stellenbosch may look internally, with assistant coach Evangelos Vellios being the favourite as interim option to ensure continuity.

Alternatively, the club could target experienced coaches within the Premier Soccer League who understand the South African football landscape and can build on Barker’s foundations.

The CEO’s emphasis on “structures and philosophy” indicates that Stellenbosch will prioritize a candidate who aligns with the club’s long-term vision rather than a short-term fix. With CAF Confederation Cup commitments looming, the new coach will need to balance domestic ambitions with continental competition, a challenge Barker had already prepared the squad for.

For supporters, the immediate focus will be on how the team responds on the pitch. Barker’s influence will be hard to replace, but Stellenbosch’s rise over the past decade suggests the club is well positioned to adapt and continue its upward trajectory.