Stellenbosch FC CEO opens up on decision to reject Abha’s offer for Rayners
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie has opened up on the club’s decision to reject the offer for Iqraam Rayners from the Saudi club Abha FC.
Abha, under the tutelage of the South African coach Pitso Mosimane, are desperately looking to move away from the drop zone as they’re second last on the log.
Mosimane joined the side on a short-term deal ahead of the second round with the aim to rescue them from relegation.
In their search for a man that will bang goals, they considered Iqraam Rayners. And they enquired just “three to four hours” before the Saudi transfer window was closed on 30 January. Meanwhile, the PSL window had already been slammed shut on 26 January.
The club’s CEO stated they wouldn’t get a perfect replacement for their “main” man.
Benadie revealed that Abha were proposing a loan deal rather than a sale.
He says Rayners didn’t take it in the wrong way and understood the club’s position. Benadie further hinted that the club would be open to listening to enquiries and offers for the 28-year-old striker at the end of the season.
STELLENBOSCH WILLING TO LISTEN TO OFFERS FOR RAYNERS IN JUNE
“Obviously Iqraam finds out about these things but he understands,” he said in an interview with FARPost.
“He is a footballer that scores goals and he will score goals for the second half of the season. And maybe then there will be interest from Pitso [Abha FC] or somebody else again.
“It’s always up to the player, we have signed him but if there is a better opportunity for him and his family, then we will discuss at the end of the season.”
Rayners has scored six goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Western Cape-based side this season.
He’ll be aiming to rattle the back of the net when Stellies take on SuperSport United on Friday night at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in the league match in what will be their first match this year. The match kicks off at 7:30 pm.
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