Mamelodi Sundowns trigger buyout clause for Iqraam Rayners

It’s believed the side from the Winelands turned down several other offers from North Africa and the Gulf region for the Bafana Bafana international, making it clear he was not for sale as they tried to hold on to their best players.

But with Downs matching the release clause this has left Stellies no other choice other than to allow Rayners to enter into discussion with The Brazilians over a possible transfer likely to be concluded in the coming weeks.

The public broadcaster has been informed the fee Sundowns will pay is well over R10-million after it was inserted into the player’s contract following his return to Stellenbosch in January last year after his stint at SuperSport United.

Rayners will become Downs’ fifth signing during the current transfer window unless another club enters the fray and also triggers the buyout amount.

READ: Hyballa remains in charge of Sekhukhune United but won’t sit on the bench

Sundowns have already welcomed defenders Asekho Tiwani, Kegan Johannes as well as attackers Kobamelo Kodisang and Arthur Sales.

The interest in Rayners comes as no surprise given his form since being thrown a lifeline by Stellies for the second time – ending the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign with an incredible 15 goals from 14 games.

He then followed that up by scoring 17 goals in 39 appearances from all competitions the very next season and is now a regular in the Bafana Bafana team having missed out on being at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Rayners missed out on the Golden Boot award to his Orlando Pirates counterpart Tshegofatso Mabasa in May.

Sundowns will be eager to get the personal terms agreed in time for the start of the new Betway Premiership season later next month, while Stellies are now set to lose yet another key player with captain Deano van Rooyen joining Pirates.