Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel has explained the reasoning behind the club’s decision to bring back winger Sanele Barns from Stellenbosch FC.
In what came as a surprise move during the January transfer window, the 28-year-old returned to the Natal Rich Boyz after spending a period away from the club.
Barns had been with Stellenbosch FC for a season and a half, having joined the Cape Winelands outfit at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and spending half of the 2025/26 season there.
Gabriel described the decision to re-sign the skilful winger as a “no-brainer,” highlighting Barns’ familiarity with the club and his ability to make an immediate impact.
The coach added that Barns was brought back not only to strengthen the team on the pitch but also to assist and guide the younger players with the valuable experience he has accumulated over the years.
“Sanele Barns, we’re bringing him back into the club. We know that he had a fantastic stay previously with us,” said Gabriel.
“He contributed immensely to the success of the team. He went through the rigours of the team.
“He knows exactly what the team is made up of. He knows the culture of the team and bringing him back into the team was an absolute no-brainer. We were ecstatic to bring him back into the club.
“We know that he will use his experience to lead the youngsters; to give them the guidance and we’re looking for good things to come from him. So far, he’s been looking good in training the last two weeks. He’s showing good signs and he needs to translate into the games now.
“So, he knows the exact role that he’s called in to play and he’ll fulfil his duties.”
In his first stint with Richards Bay, Barns played 62 matches, scoring ten goals and providing 11 assists in the process.
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