Steve Barker eager to restore Simba respect ahead of CAFCL tie | OneFootball

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Barker determined to end CAFCL campaign on a high

Photo: Simba SC @ X

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker is determined to end their CAF Champions League group stage campaign on a high note ahead of hosting Stade Malien on Saturday.

The Reds of Msimbazi will entertain the Malian champions at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with an aim of registering their first win of the group phase.

Though the game is a dead rubber as Simba sit at the bottom of Group D standings with two points, while Malien, who are at the summit, have already qualified, Barker is not taking the match lightly.

“I think it's a big match for us regardless of us not being able to qualify for the knockout stage and Stade Malien already having been qualified. But for us it's an important match in terms of us as a team to continue developing, improving, and growing,” he said.

"We do not want to finish the group stage without a win. So, we are preparing as best as we can to ensure that tomorrow we can put on a really big performance and hopefully can a win in front of our home fans.

"We really want to end the group stage on a high note, get some respect back on the continent for Simba Sports Club. So, a massively important match for us, we really are prepared and really looking forward to it.

The South African mentor took over the reins in December 2025, and he has been tasked with building a squad that can compete in Africa's elite club competition.