Mamelodi Sundowns newly-signed forward Iqraam Rayners has to wait a little longer to make his debut as he won’t play in the match against his former side Stellenbosch FC. Here is why.
Masandawana are set to face off against Stellies in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Wednesday, 28 August at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with the match commencing at 19:00.
This will be the second match of the day with the first semi-final clash between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City set to take place at 18:00.
Rayners will be unable to feature in the match against his previous team due to being cup-tied, having already played for Stellies in the quarterfinal against TS Galaxy, in which the Cape Winelands team secured a 3-1 victory to progress to the next stage.
WHY RAYNERS HAS TO WAIT A LITTLE LONGER TO MAKE HIS SUNDOWNS DEBUT
“A player whose name appears on a team sheet of a participating club in the competition will be deemed to be cup-tied and may not play for another club in the competition for the same season,” states the NSL book – MTN8 rules.
The 28-year-old forward joined the Brazilians after they triggered a buy-out clause in his contract. He left Stellenbosch as the club’s all-time record goalscorer after netting 68 times in 135 appearances across two spells.
Rayners may have the chance to make his debut for Sundowns when they face Mbabane Swallows in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on 13 September.
In addition, former Bafana Ba Style defender Brian Onyango is eligible to play for Stellenbosch, having concluded his time with the Tshwane giants at the end of the last season.
