Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker expecting 'big things' from two-goal hero Sanele Barns

JOHANNESBURG - Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is expecting “big things” from Sanele Barns this upcoming 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.

After finishing strongly last season with three goals in the last five matches, the Bafana Bafana midfielder struck the sweet notes from the outset with a well-taken brace to help Stellies overcome AmaZulu 3-2 after extra-time in their MTN8 quarter-final at DHL Stadium on Sunday.

It was Barnes’ third goal against the Usuthu in two games after also scoring the winner in last season’s Premiership clash at Danie Craven Stadium. 

Barker feels the former Richards Bay and TS Galaxy midfielder is approaching the form he enjoyed prior to coming to Stellenbosch FC last season now that he has settled in at the winelands club.

“I think if you recall the season before he came to us he was nominated as one of the midfielders of the season, so now having a season (at Stellenbosch), I do believe that he would have settled in, and I'm expecting some really big things from Sanele,” Barker said.

“I believe that he's going to have a big impact for us, as he did today (Sunday).”

Barns’ first goal was a tap-in from close range, but his second was an outstanding free-kick that rifled into the AmaZulu net from 30 metres out.

But despite his individual brilliance on the day, the Stellies midfielder preferred to focus on the team’s collective after reaching their third consecutive MTN8 semifinal. 

“Firstly, I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone,” Barns said.

“Obviously, it was a tough match, but we had to dig deep, to come back and win the game.

“We conceded two goals, but I think our defence did a very good job, after they scored their last goal.”

Stellies will host Sekhukhune United in their first-leg semifinal in Cape Town on August 16.