The former coach of Stellenbosch FC, Steve Barker, eagerly anticipates the opportunity to face Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League group stage, although he recognizes that his team, Simba SC, must navigate a difficult group to advance.
Barker, who took charge of the Tanzanian giant after establishing himself in South African football, will encounter familiar rivals when Simba meets the Buccaneers in a group that also includes Moroccan favorite RS Berkane and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive.
In an interview with Azam TV, Barker acknowledged the high caliber of the opponents, emphasizing his enthusiasm for reconnecting with Pirates. He stated: 'Of course, I am happy to play against Orlando Pirates. I have always had many battles with them back in South Africa.'
He continued, noting that Pirates is a very strong team, having won the Premiership last season, making them a tough opponent. Furthermore, he added that the appearance of a newcomer like Colombe from Cameroon will also present a unique challenge.
Barker is also well acquainted with RS Berkane, having faced this Moroccan club during his time at Stellenbosch and due to Simba's previous participation in the CAF Confederation Cup. He remarked: 'I am very familiar with RS Berkane because Simba participated in the CAF Confederation Cup, and when I was at Stellenbosch, we also played against them. They are a big team from Morocco.'
The reunion with Pirates carries extra significance given their previous meeting in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals in the 2021/22 season. The South African team advanced after a tense two-match confrontation, which ended 1-1 on aggregate, with Pirates ultimately winning on penalties.
This history adds another layer to the competition between the two clubs striving for deep runs in continental tournaments. Pirates enter the group stage after winning the Betway Premiership title in the 2025/26 season, while Simba is not unfamiliar with the Champions League, having reached the group stage in four of its last five campaigns.
Despite the high quality of the opposition, Barker insists that his primary objective is securing qualification for the playoffs, rather than focusing on the teams' reputations within the group. He stressed: 'It will be a very difficult group for us, but if you want to go far in such tournaments, you must pass the group stage regardless of the opponents.'
He concluded: 'We must find a way to guarantee our spot in the playoff stage. I am generally very excited and looking forward to it.'
For Pirates, this campaign represents an opportunity to confirm their status among Africa's elite after establishing themselves as leading representatives of South Africa in this tournament. The Buccaneers are the only representatives of the country in the CAF Champions League group stage this season after Mamelodi Sundowns exited in the preliminary rounds. As Barker aims to test himself against familiar South African rivals, the match between Simba and Pirates promises to be one of the most exciting events in the group, as both clubs fight for a place in the quarter-finals.