Simba SC coach Steve Barker admits it has taken time for him to adjust to the “challenging” playing surfaces that exist in the Tanzanian Premier League.
Barker’s made the switch in a surprise move this season after calling time on his career with Stellenbosch after eight seasons.
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After being eliminated from the CAF Champions League, Barker, Simba have enjoyed some good form in the league are currently in second place on the standings, at the midway stage in their season – just four points behind leaders Young Africans, and with a game in hand.
Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Barker explained that the biggest difference for him between the two leagues, is the level of infrastructure.
“In the PSL, with the infrastructure and stadiums we have, the playing surfaces are all at a good level. The biggest challenge is that some of the pitches in the Tanzanian Premier League are very challenging,” he said.
“You have to accept that it is what it is. From a technical point of view, you have to adapt when you play on certain pitches.
“We want to play a style that a club like Simba should have, and we stick to that, but it is more challenging on difficult surfaces.
“It’s also a mental approach, understanding that we can’t control the surfaces, but we can control how we approach it and not let it get to us,” Barker added.