Richards Bay coach Vusi Vilakazi has lauded the professionalism of attacker Sanele Barns, who is set to join Stellenbosch FC at the beginning of next season.

Despite confirmation of the move still pending from both clubs, Barns has remained Richards Bay’s standout performer this season, even while facing relegation threats.

On Saturday, Barns continued his impressive form by scoring the winning goal, his fifth in the league this season, against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium. This marked the first time Richards Bay has secured a victory over Pirates in the club’s history.

The win propelled Richards Bay to 27 points, just two behind 14th-placed Royal AM, who fell to Mamelodi Sundowns on the same day.

“He’s a very professional individual,” Vilakazi said of Barns. “I’m truly happy with his commitment. Often, when players are leaving the club, they start dragging their feet. But Barns keeps fighting for the team. I even jokingly asked him on Saturday if we could return the transfer fee to Stellenbosch so he could stay! He responded by saying ‘please do that,’ which perfectly exemplifies his commitment to the club.”

“His professionalism is undeniable. We missed him in the previous match against Polokwane City, but he returned and rose to the occasion, as he always does.”

Barns joined Richards Bay at the start of last season and has featured in 29 matches across all competitions this season.

Previously, he played a key role in TS Galaxy’s historic 2018/19 Nedbank Cup victory, defeating Kaizer Chiefs in the Ke Yona Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This win marked the first time a lower-division team had claimed South Africa’s FA Cup equivalent.