'He will really give us something': Sundowns bolster strike department with Stellies ace Rayners

Iqraam Rayners has left the plush background of the Cape Winelands, where he plied his trade for Stellenbosch FC for a combined five years, and will suit up in the colours of Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 28-year-old put pen to paper on a lucrative deal with the reigning Premiership champions and will return to Tshwane, where he once donned the SuperSport United jumper for three seasons.

The move comes as a shock as Stellenbosch prepare for one of their most important seasons in South Africa's topflight, which will see the maroon-clad club feature in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in its eight-year history.

Rayners is Stellenbosch's all-time leading scorer with 38 goals and tops the club's assists chart with 18 in just 81 appearances. His all-round attacking prowess has consistently shone during his time at Stellies, and stocks have risen - enough to catch the eye of Sundowns.

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While neither club has confirmed the transfer yet, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi did not shy away from giving a brief reason Masandawana opted to pay a reported R12 million for the forward's services.

"We are happy to have him because he will add something to the club. I am looking at him more for the Champions League than the PSL," Mngqithi told reporters on Sunday after Sundowns overcame Polokwane City 1-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final.

"In as much as he will help us in the PSL, I think in the Champions League, he will really give us something."

Sundowns, still South Africa's richest football club, have been busy in the transfer market.

First, they parted ways with Rhulani Mokwena, who became Wydad Casablanca's head coach. Thus far, they have let go