Vusumuzi Vilakazi praises Stellenbosch-bound Sanele Barns

Barns has been a key player for the Natal Rich Boyz this season and has continued to give his all for the club, even after signing a pre-contract with Stellies in January. 

The 27-year-old former AmaTuks and TS Galaxy winger scored the only goal in their vital 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates last weekend, with Vilakazi publicly expressing his appreciation for Barnes’ commitment.

"He's a very professional somebody, that I must say, and I'm happy with his commitment. Usually when players are leaving the club, they start dragging their feet," said Vilakazi.

"But Barns is always fighting for the team, and I just had a chat with him today and I'm asking him, 'If we can take the money back to Stellenbosch, would you stay?'

He said, 'Please do that.' So, that's the commitment he has for the club, and he's a very professional somebody. We were missing him in the game against Polokwane City, but he came and rose to the occasion [against Pirates], as usual."

Meanwhile, Vilakazi, who assumed the role of head coach in the second round of the season, also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of club chairman Jomo Biyela, as they still look to escape the relegation play-off spot.

"The chairman is very supportive, I must say. Honestly, he's very supportive and I've never seen somebody who is so patient, because sometimes when you are too desperate, things don't go your way," he noted.

"But you just need to be as supportive as you can be, and he's always there, rallying behind us, always motivating – even the players – to do well and trying to save the team.

"I think we are doing it for him because I've never seen someone like this. I've worked with other people, but hey, he is something else."

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