The striker is alleged to have physically attacked an activist at a bar in Stellenbosch
Iqraam Rayners, who is close to finalising a transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns, has been dragged into a criminal incident by a community activist in Stellenbosch.
Eon Hendricks, a Stellenbosch community activist, has made a sensational claim about Rayners, alleging that the Stellenbosch FC striker hit him with a whisky glass following a night out that left his face disfigured.
“It was a good day at work and I decided to go out at night with my friends, we went to [Stellenbosch] Central where I always go,” Hendricks claimed in a video shared on social media by News24 on Monday.
“The goal was actually to watch the [Olympics] basketball final between the USA and Serbia. That is why I went out to Central and chilled there with friends until 12am. Between 12am and 1am, the club usually closes at 1am, and I make my last turn at the toilet where I got Iqraam Rayners inside the toilet.
Did Rayners physically assault a man in Stellenbosch?
“I was like a fan, I was so happy to see him because I had just read in the morning about his possible transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns. The first thing that came to mind is to start a conversation based on what I read.
“I didn’t get the response that I expected to get, he was very angry towards me at that moment and he left the toilet and when I got outside, I felt a knock on my face which he hit me with a whisky glass in my face and I went down and realised I’m bleeding.
“I could feel people kicking me and people trying to get hold of me until I managed to escape and managed to run into a room in Central where I was treated and taken to the hospital.”
Hendricks feels disappointed by the incident as he believes it is not a good representation of the Stellenbosch community who follow the team religiously.
Activist feels let down by the players’ alleged behaviour
“I am a regular and you go out just to enjoy yourself. You never go out to expect that something like this would happen,” he added.
“The most disappointing I feel is that it is someone I support not in his personal capacity but the institution he is involved with. It is something that means a lot for us community members.
“I am disappointed in his behaviour because if you are a professional athlete, I am sure you do think of consequences.
Will the latest claims affect Rayners’ move to Sundowns?
“If it was a normal brawl I would understand, men fight sometimes, but to take a glass indicates a sense of criminality in his mindset and that is what is really disappointing for me.”
Rayners is in the final steps of his transfer to Sundowns after coach Manqoba Mngqithi confirmed the deal on Sunday.
“We believe Iqraam has the potential to be a key player for us. He is a proven goalscorer with a strong work ethic, and we are excited to see him in action for Mamelodi Sundowns,” the tactician told the media after his team’s 1-0 win over Polokwane City.
