Why Stellies’ pursuit of Iqraam Rayners replacement hit snag

With Mamelodi Sundowns triggering the release clause to lure forward Iqraam Rayners away from Stellies for a fee understood to be in the region of R10-million, the developments have forced the club to go into the market.

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The public broadcaster understands Cupido is their top target to hopefully lead the line before the start of the Betway Premiership in mid-September, however their talks with Spurs over the player has hit a snag.

Stellenbosch approached Spurs, who were relegated at the end of the 2023/24 season and also begin life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship next month, soon after being required to beef up their strikers department.

But, as has been widely reported, Spurs have a figure for each of their players, especially high profile ones like Cupido.

Spurs recently sold defender Rushwin Dortley to Kaizer Chiefs, but turned down an offer from the same club for winger Asanele Valebayi as they deemed it too low for a player who has managed more than 90 games since turning professional.

“We priced him fairly. They asked us what we are looking for and we told them and like any other party do, they came back [with a counter offer] and you either agreed or disagreed. That's where we are – the offer wasn’t close to what we asked for,” was Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou’s response on Metro FM last week.

SABC Sport understands a similar scenario is playing out between the club and Western Cape rivals Stellenbosch this time around.

And The Urban Warriors are prepared to return to the lower division with most of their key players if topflight opponents aren’t willing to meet their asking price.