'Why keep an unhappy player?': Hunt on why Rayners left SuperSport

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has revealed the reason behind Iqraam Rayners’ departure from the club.

Rayners left SuperSport during the January transfer window and rejoined former team Stellenbosch FC. The attacking midfielder had been with Matsatsantsa for two-and-a-half seasons after he moved to Gauteng in July 2020 from Stellies.

Hunt said the player had become an unhappy camper at the club and wanted out.

The coach did not divulge what led to Rayners' unhappiness but said he did not believe it was a case of failing to settle in Gauteng.

Western Cape-born players have been known to struggle to adjust when they move inland.

“I don’t know much about that, we have had a lot of Cape Town players playing in Joburg,” Hunt said during a Nedbank Cup press conference at the Premier Soccer League headquarters in Johannesburg on Monday.

“We have won the league playing with Cape Town players. I hear that statement, but for me, if a player is not happy he must go.

“That’s it. Why keep an unhappy player? No hard feelings, he [Rayners] wanted to leave and that was it.”

Rayners was the only departure from SuperSport during the midseason transfer window while they made three signings.

Hunt’s side brought in Zakhele Lepasa on loan from Orlando Pirates, Senegalese centre forward Mamour Niang and midfielder Zukile Kewuti from Maritzburg United.

SuperSport meet ABC Motsepe League side Dondol Stars from Mamelodi in their Nedbank Cup last 32 clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm).