Orlando Pirates lose R9 million target to Stellies
Adequate replacement for Rayners?
Rumoured Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs target Ashley Cupido will join Stellenbosch for the 2024-2025 Betway Premiership season.
Cupido joins Stellies to replace Iqraam Rayners
23-year-old Cape Town Spurs attacker Ashley Cupido, who can operate through the middle or on the flanks, has signed for Stellenbosch in a deal worth R7 million upfront. There are also R2 million worth of potential add-ons in the deal. Cupido scored seven goals in 26 league appearances last term and supplied one assist. Stellies are cash-rich after the sales of Deano Van Rooyen, Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk.
Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie on the signing of Cupido:
“We’re excited to welcome the talented 23-year-old to our ambitious club. He is a player who will fit our system well. And who we believe can consistently feature at the top end of the PSL’s goal-scoring charts.”
Stellies and Orlando Pirates have a growing rivalry
Pirates pipped Stellies to second place and Caf Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2023-2024 campaign. The rivalry has extended into this season with the Buccaneers signing Stellenbosch skipper Van Rooyen. The Winelands club will be delighted to have recruited Ashley Cupido who was strongly linked with both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. They’ll hope he can fill the void left by Rayners, who scored 15 times in the league last term.
City vs Pirates MTN8 semi-final postponed
Meanwhile, bad weather in the Mother City has forced the postponement of the MTN8 semi-final first leg between Cape Town City and Pirates.
“Cape Town City vs Orlando Pirates match has been postponed to Wednesday @ 18H00 due to severe weather conditions, as first reported by #UNPLAYABLE. “The decision to postpone the match was made following the advice from the City of Cape Town authorities and stadium management, who reported gale-force winds averaging speeds of 67 km/h. The adverse weather has led to collapsed buildings, blocked roads due to fallen trees, and impacted stadium facilities. Tickets purchased for today’s match will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture,” via @OfficialPSL on X.
The game goes ahead on Wednesday 28 August at 18:00.
Is Cupido an adequate replacement for Rayners?
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Orlando Pirates finished the 2023-2024 DStv Premiership campaign in second place, earning a spot in the 2024-2025 Caf Champions League. Jose Riveiro’s team also won two major honours, beating Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 finals. Riveiro’s mandate will be to dethrone Sundowns and deliver the first top-flight league title for the Buccaneers fans since 2012.