Iqraam Rayners jumped to the summit of the scoring charts in the DStv Premiership with a record-equaling five goals scored against Polokwane City. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

• Iqraam Rayners has joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC, where he was the all-time top scorer.
• Sundowns see Rayners as crucial for their Champions League campaign.
• Stellenbosch faces challenges after losing several key players, including Rayners.
• For more local soccer news, go to News24 Sport’s dedicated section.

Iqraam Rayners has left the plush background of the Cape Winelands, where he plied his trade for Stellenbosch FC for a combined five years, and will suit up in the colours of Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 28-year-old put pen to paper on a lucrative deal with the reigning Premiership champions and will return to Tshwane, where he once donned the SuperSport United jumper for three seasons.

The move comes as a shock as Stellenbosch prepare for one of their most important seasons in South Africa’s topflight, which will see the maroon-clad club feature in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in its eight-year history.

Rayners is Stellenbosch’s all-time leading scorer with 38 goals and tops the club’s assists chart with 18 in just 81 appearances. His all-round attacking prowess has consistently shone during his time at Stellies, and stocks have risen – enough to catch the eye of Sundowns.

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While neither club has confirmed the transfer yet, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi did not shy away from giving a brief reason Masandawana opted to pay a reported R12 million for the forward’s services.

“We are happy to have him because he will add something to the club. I am looking at him more for the Champions League than the PSL,” Mngqithi told reporters on Sunday after Sundowns overcame Polokwane City 1-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final.

“In as much as he will help us in the PSL, I think in the Champions League, he will really give us something.”

Sundowns, still South Africa’s richest football club, have been busy in the transfer market.

First, they parted ways with Rhulani Mokwena, who became Wydad Casablanca’s head coach. Thus far, they have let go of 14 players, while Rayners arrived, joining Kobamelo Kodisang, Arthur Sales, Kegan Johannes, and Asekho Tiwani as the club’s newest squad members.

However, for Stellenbosch, losing another core player means the club’s hierarchy would have to find a suitable replacement, something they have been good at doing in recent years.

They’ve cashed in on Leletu Skelem (Maritzburg United), Alton Zitha Kwinika, Ashley du Preez (both Kaizer Chiefs), Junior Mendieta (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ibraheem Jabaar (Maccabi Petah Tikva, Israel), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA) and Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs).

But there has already been some agony for Steve Barker, the league’s longest-serving head coach, as Stellenbosch accepted a deal that will see their captain and right-back, Deano van Rooyen, sign for Orlando Pirates.

Thus far, Stellies CEO Rob Benadie and the rest of his recruiting team have only added Sanele Barns and Lehlohonolo Mojela from Richards Bay FC and TS Galaxy, respectively.

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The Premier Soccer League transfer window is expected to shut at the end of August. However, with the delay of the Betway Premiership, there could be an extension for all clubs to beef up their squad with new recruits.

Before then, Stellenbosch can prepare for the CAF Confederation Cup as they will travel to Eswatini for the away leg of the first preliminary round 

Barker’s troops visit Nsingizini Hotspurs on Saturday (15:00) with the home leg scheduled for the following week, although their venue is yet to be confirmed as their iconic home field, Danie Craven Stadium, does not fit the bill for CAF. 

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch started their 2024/25 season on a winning note, defeating TS Galaxy to set up a MTN8 semi-final against Sundowns with the date for the fixture yet to be confirmed.