Key Highlights :
The transfer of Iqraam Rayners from SuperSport United to Stellenbosch FC has been a source of much speculation in the South African football scene. According to Stan Matthews, CEO of SuperSport United, the transfer has yet to be fully completed due to a payment plan that Stellenbosch FC is yet to meet. This is the reason why a clause was included in the player's contract which prevented him from playing against his former club earlier this week.
Rayners has been in outstanding form since his move to Stellenbosch, scoring 15 goals in 11 matches. Matthews explained that the club had asked for time to make their first payment, and as such he had to include the clause in the contract. He also added that he was doing Stellenbosch a favour by allowing them to acquire the player before they had the capacity to pay for him.
It is clear that Matthews is not sorry about his decision to include the clause in the contract. If Stellenbosch had paid upfront, there would have been no conditions attached. He also understands what it is like for smaller clubs to not have the capacity to pay for a player, and stated that he has been in that situation many times before.
The transfer of Rayners to Stellenbosch is a great opportunity for the player to play in a style that suits him. He is allowed a free role upfront, which allows him to express himself on the field. This is something that Rayners has taken advantage of, and it is clear that SuperSport United have dodged a bullet by ensuring that he did not play against them earlier this week.
It is yet to be seen when Stellenbosch FC will make the payment for the transfer of Rayners, and until then the clause in his contract will remain in place. Nevertheless, it is clear that Matthews made the right decision by including the clause, and SuperSport United should be grateful for his foresight.