An ambitious DStv Premiership club has secured the surprise signing of midfielder Sanele Barns, ending speculation on his future.
Barns’ switch from Richards Bay FC will come as a surprise to many as he was previously expected to join rivals Cape Town City. The 26-year-old was also linked with Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United at some point.
Known for his creativity and attacking prowess, Barns has been a key player for the Natal Rich Boyz since joining them in 2022.
In the 2023/24 season so far, he has played in 18 matches, scoring three goals and providing five assists. This follows an impressive performance in the 2022/23 season, where he featured in 25 DStv Premiership games, contributing four goals and four assists.
Overall, Barns has played in 43 games across the two seasons, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists, solidifying his position as a valuable asset to the KZN side’s squad. It means he has had more goal contributions than any other player at the club in the last two seasons.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs reportedly interested in prizing him away from KZN. His potential move to Cape Town City had been heavily rumoured for weeks, with reports suggesting a deal was almost finalised.
WHICH CLUB HAS LANDED SANELE BARNS’ SIGNATURE
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Stellenbosch recently managed to hijack the transfer, securing Barns’ signature on a long-term year deal. The former University of Pretoria and TS Galaxy star will move to the Winelands club at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The financial details of the transfer have not been disclosed, but it is believed that Stellenbosch made a significant offer to convince Barns to switch allegiances. This move is a major coup for Stellenbosch, who are aiming to challenge for more trophies in the coming seasons.
Stellies coach Steve Barker is on record as saying the club intends to build a strong unit of players who will help them to more silverware.
“People like Mervin Boji, Devin Titus, Kyle Jurgens, Jayden Adams and Antonio Van Wyk. So, the plan is to have that core group of players to be with us for years to come, which, in my opinion, will allow us to challenge for trophies,” Barker said ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final in December 2023.
The Cape Town outfit became the inaugural winners of the cup competition.
His arrival looks set to add much-needed creativity and firepower to their midfield, and he is expected to form a formidable partnership with the likes of Adams and Darrel Matsheke.
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