Sanele Barns eyes trophies after joining Stellenbosch FC

Barns' move to Stellenbosch FC

When Sanele Barns confirmed his switch from Richards Bay to Stellenbosch FC, the South African soccer scene took notice. The 27‑year‑old midfielder, who dazzled throughout the 2023/24 season and earned a spot on the DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season shortlist, said the decision boiled down to one word: competitiveness.

"I’m very excited to be here because Stellenbosch is a very good team, with very good players and a very good coach," Barns told reporters in his inaugural interview. He added that the club’s warm welcome made the transition feel like a homecoming, and that he’s ready to start his new journey in the Maroon Army.

Barns didn’t hide the fact that he scouted his options carefully. "You have to look at many things when joining a new team. You have to see if they are competitive, and I checked and double‑checked, and Stellenbosch are competing for all of the silverware. My decision to join the club was based on that," he explained. The midfielder’s confidence mirrors the club’s recent push to be a fixture in both domestic and continental contests.

Ambitions and expectations

Stellenbosch’s schedule is packed with high‑stakes tournaments, and Barns has already mapped out his targets. The MTN 8 cup kicks off soon, followed by the CAF Confederation Cup, where South African clubs aim to showcase their talent on a larger stage. Barns is clear about his personal and team goals:

Help Stellenbosch lift the MTN 8 trophy in the upcoming edition.
Play a decisive role in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign and vie for continental silverware.
Deliver consistent, high‑quality football that thrills supporters and earns respect across the league.
Become a dependable team player who contributes both on and off the pitch.

He promised fans a brand of football that combines tenacity with flair. "The fans can expect very good football, and a person and player who is a very dedicated team player, and obviously I hope that I can contribute massively towards the team's success," Barns said, underscoring his commitment to the club’s ambitions.

Stellenbosch FC’s coaching staff, led by a tactical mind praised for nurturing young talent, appears ready to integrate Barns into a system that maximizes his creative midfield abilities. With his proven record and the club’s evident hunger for trophies, the partnership could prove mutually beneficial.