Newly-appointed Abha FC coach Pitso Mosimane made attempts to lure Iqraam Rayners to Saudi Arabia, the Siya crew can exclusively reveal.
Following speculation about his future, the well-travelled coach returned to the Middle East country after being appointed as head coach of Abha FC in January.
News coming out of Stellenbosch FC is that ex-Bafana Bafana mentor tried to push for a deal for the burly marksman on the last day of the January transfer window as he wanted to take him along to his new club as part of the plans to starve off relegation.
According to insiders, Mosimane had planned to take the player with him to his new club on a short-term basis.
The UEFA Pro Licence holder has also signed a short-term contract with the club as was confirmed by his handlers from MT Sports Marketing and Management when the deal was finalised.
According to sources, Stellies turned the deal down as they were against losing a player of Rayners' calibre at the crucial stage of the season. The 28-year-old has been the Winelands' team's go-to man for goals, contributed immensely to the club winning the Carling Knockout in December 2023, as well as doing well in the league.
"Pitso and those involved were pushing for a deal which they thought would be great for Stellenbosch and the player. But because of the management's reluctance, they put a stop to it," said a source.
It is believed that had the player gone, it would have been a multimillion rand deal, though sources close to the Western Cape outfit have indicated that not everyone was happy with that figure.
