Betway Premiership side Richards Bay FC have bolstered their squad with a familiar face, confirming the return of Sanele Barns just hours before the 2025 January transfer window deadline.
A move first called by FARPost, Barns returns to the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on a permanent deal, seeking to rediscover the form that saw him nominated for the PSL Midfielder of the Season during his previous stint with the club.
Barns joined Stellenbosch FC at the beginning of the 2024/25 season after an impressive two seasons at the Natal Rich Boys. He was nominated for the Midfielder of the Season award during the 2023/24 season.
The 28-year-old made an immediate impact at the club and was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in the MTN8 in 2024 and 2025.
SANELE BARNS RETURNS TO RICHARDS BAY AFTER TWO SEASONS AT STELLENBOSCH FC
Despite being a regular starter under former coach Steve Barker, Barns has not enjoyed more game time since the current season started. He made just 22 approaches in all competitions for the club.
With the arrival of coach Gavin Hunt, it appears Barns was no longer in the plans of the club moving forward. He leaves a Stellenbosch FC side that is currently 12th on the log standings after 15 matches played.
Barns now returns to Richards Bay under the guidance of Ronnie Gabriel, Papi Zothwane and Siboniso Gumede and joins on a permanent deal.
Before his move to Stellies, Barns made 62 appearances after joining from the University of Pretoria in the 2022/23 season. He scored 10 goals with 11 assists.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SIDE HOPING TO IMPROVE LOG STANDINGS
He becomes Richards Bay’s third signing of the January transfer window, following the arrivals of Thembela Sikhakhane and Joel Madondo.
Richards Bay are currently ninth in the Betway Premiership with 18 points from 15 matches. They have scored just 12 while conceding 14 goals with only four wins.
They are back in action on Friday, 30 January, with a KwaZulu-Natal derby against Golden Arrows. Richards Bay goes into the match from a 1-1 draw against Siwelele in a League match last Friday.
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