It's now been widely reported that Richards Bay will lose influential midfielder Sanele Barns to DStv Premiership rivals Stellenbosch FC next season.
However, the Siya crew has been informed that there is a crucial box that still needs to be ticked for the deal between the two sides to be officially finalised – and it is regarding the player's health and fitness in the coming months.
According to insiders with knowledge as well as some of the high-ranking officials close to the deal, Barns is set to move to The Winelands effective July 1 to begin working under coach Steve Barker.
The player had been linked with a possible move to Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City, who had a bid rejected as confirmed by chairman John Comitis in the media earlier this year.
But it is Stellies who have won the race, although it's understood the 26-year-old still had to undergo a medical and this then means the contract that has been agreed to remains subject to this last piece of the puzzle.
Indications are that Barns, who was tied to be on Richards Bay's books until July 2025, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract.
Should he stay fit until the end of the current campaign with the Natal Rich Boys then there will be no stumbling blocks for the move to Stellies.
