Stellenbosch FC are closing in on the replacement of Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
Rayners recently inked a long-term contract with the defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The forward was spotted in a video on social media at Sundowns training with Teboho Mokoena and Grant Kekana welcoming him.
The 28-year-old was crucial for Stellies in the previous season as they won the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup. Stellenbosch defeated TS Galaxy 5-4 on penalties to lift the Carling Cup. Stellenbosch also finished third on the league table last campaign to qualify for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.
In a season in which he proved his goal-scoring prowess, Rayners scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in his 39 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, the attacker was also a nominee for the prestigious Footballer of the Season award along with Sundowns duo Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena at the 2024 PSL Awards. Williams subsequently won the accolade.
STELLENBOSCH TARGET CAPE TOWN STRIKER ASHLEY CUPIDO
With Rayners leaving Stellenbosch in a big transfer to Masandawana, the Western Cape-based outfit has identified Cape Town Spurs striker Ashley Cupido as a suitable replacement.
Cupido is a lethal goal-poacher who has scored eight goals in his first season with CT Spurs in the SA’s top-flight. He is also been linked with both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Although the Urban Warriors have been relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, indications are that they are fighting to keep their best players to push for promotion next season.
A few days ago, FARPost reported that CT Spurs rejected an offer from Stellenbosch for the services of their captain, Chumani Butsaka.
The Steve Barker-coached side is offering the Cape Town-based side R5 million plus a 20% sell-on clause for Butsaka; however, CT Spurs are not entertaining the offer.
SABC Sport also reported that Cape Town Spurs is unwilling to entertain Kaizer Chiefs’ offer for the signature of highly-rated midfielder Asanele Velebayi.
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