Stellenbosch in advanced talks with Richards Bay over Sanele Barns

SABC Sport can reveal Stellenbosch FC and Richards Bay are in advanced talks over the sale of attacker Sanele Barns.

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The 26-year-old has been linked with several other clubs in the DStv Premiership, among them Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs – but nothing has materialised following the reports, with City chairman John Comitis recently confirming their interest.  

According to information gathered by the public broadcaster over the weekend when The Natal Rich Boys thumped Polokwane City 3-2 in the Nedbank Cup, a deal is currently being discussed for Barns to move to Stellies at the end of the season.

Barns remains contracted to Richards Bay until June 2025 and will only leave the club if all parties agree on the finer details, including a transfer fee.

What has emerged is that the KwaZulu-Natal outfit are more than willing to get the deal over the line, and in fact a reliable source informed SABC Sport the negotiations are promising with the transfer “90 percent done”.

It suggests Barns would have to also avoid injuries and pass a medical in July to see the move through ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The former University of Pretoria player featured in 27 matches for Richards Bay last season, scoring four goals and contributing an equal number of assists as The Natal Rich Boys got off to a great start in their rookie season only to flirt with relegation towards the end – desperately needing points in the final weeks to retain their status.

Barns remains a pillar for the side so far following 18 appearances, three goals and five assists to his name.

Approached for comment on the potential sale, Stellenbosch FC chief executive officer Rob Benadie only acknowledged Barns is a player on their radar.

“SFC have been following his progress and interested in Barns for some time, but it is premature to comment now,” he told SABC Sport.