Sanele Barns made his Bafana Bafana debut on Wednesday as South Africa got their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaign underway.

Stellenbosch FC midfielder Sanele Barns made his long-awaited international debut when he started in South Africa’s 0-1 defeat to Mozambique in their COSAFA Cup Group A opener on Wednesday afternoon.

The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes for Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein, where South Africa is hosting the annual regional tournament.

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Barns’ call-up and subsequent capping follow an impressive debut season with Stellenbosch FC in which he played 46 matches across all competitions, helping the club reach the MTN8 final, CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, and finish third in the league.

His club teammate, Athenkosi Mcaba, was an unused substitute during the encounter.