Mamelodi Sundowns could be back to their old alleged modus operandi of getting an upper hand in the PSL after confirmation that Iqraam Rayners is headed to the Tshwane giants.
Sundowns have in the past gained an upper hand in the PSL against their rivals by buying their best players.
In recent seasons, the likes of George Maluleka, Terrence Mashego, Bradley Ralani, Thabiso Kutumela, Sipho Mbule and Thembinkosi Lorch, to mention a few, made shock transfers to Chloorkop and, as a result, made the teams they were bought from or clubs that were interested in bringing them on board, a little weaker to compete with them.
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The Brazilians also have a controversial loan clause that prohibits their own players from playing against their parent club, something that SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews has challenged and made him decide against making such deals ahead of the current campaign.
Stellenbosch FC appeared to be one of the teams that could challenge the defending champions for the Betway Premiership or other domestic trophies.
However, just before the league could kick off, Sundowns have put out all the stops to sign their 2023/24 Footballer of the Season Rayners.
Masandawana have reportedly triggered a buyout clause from Rayners' contract, with Stellies initially unwilling to sell their top striker.
Following reports that Sundowns are closing-in on signing the Bafana Bafana striker, head coach Manqoba Mngqithi admitted that the deal is as good as done.
As reported on this website on Monday morning, Manqoba Mngqithi has confirmed Rayners' imminent arrival, saying he will help the team in the CAF Champions League.
This assertion would lend credence to suggestions they are eliminating competition by buying the best players of rival teams.
Rayners was close to signing for Saudi outfit Abha Club in the January transfer window, but Stellies pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, as they reasoned they could not get a replacement in time.
The Cape Winelands side did not want to sell the Bafana Bafana forward either in this transfer window, but sundowns have insisted on triggering his buyout clause, which was reportedly above R10 million.