It speaks volumes that Mamelodi Sundowns were prepared to pay R4-million for 34-year-old Bradley ‘Surprise’ Ralani, writes MOGAMAD ALLIE.
With just six months remaining on his deal at Cape Town City, the club did some good business to secure top dollar for Surprise Ralani, who would otherwise have been able to depart as a free agent at the end of the season.
But Sundowns, who are cruising to a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier Soccer League title, will be equally pleased at bringing the Kimberley-born left winger to Chloorkop after beating rivals like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to his signature. Ever since he joined Cape Town City from Swedish side Helsingborg in January 2018, Ralani has established himself as one of the most skilful and visionary players in the league.
In his 98 league appearances for the Citizens, the slightly-built attacker scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists, as PSL fans warmed to a player they had never seen in action in this country. Affectionately known by his nickname of ‘Surprise’, Ralani moved to Helsingborg in July 2009 and had eight years in Sweden and a one-season sojourn with Danish side Lyngby.
‘It’s a great move for Surprise and Sundowns and I’m glad that he will be playing for the best team in the country. I’m also happy that people are seeing his value because there were other big teams also lining up to sign him,’ says Farouk Khan, director of the Stars of Africa Football Academy where Ralani’s talent was honed as a teenager.
With the league title virtually wrapped up, the left-wing was signed to add attacking depth to the Masandawana squad, particularly with the Champions League campaign in mind.
It’s no secret that Sundowns would like nothing more than to dethrone 10-time champions Al Ahly, with whom they have been drawn alongside Sudan’s Al Merrikh and Al Hilal for a series of tough group games ending in April. Ralani’s skill, pace and game intelligence will give Masandawana a crucial new attacking dimension in the Champions League as the Chloorkop side desperately seek to repeat their success of 2016.
‘Sundowns need a player who can manipulate any attack and he will do that with his combination of playing intelligence, decision-making and skill,’ Khan told SoccerClub. ‘I would say that apart from Themba Zwane, there is no other player in the PSL who has the finesse and skill that Surprise possesses. In my opinion, they are the only two players in the country that can dribble at speed, can finish from tight situations and have the ability to set up anyone in the frontline.
‘They can transition from defence to attack within seconds because they have the speed, intelligence dynamism – all the necessary ingredients required for quick transitions.
‘If I am a Sundowns coach or fan I would be the happiest person to have Surprise in my team. They are getting a proven talent who has lots of experience in Europe. I remember Swedish legend Henrik Larsson, who was his coach at Helsingborg, used to tell me Surprise was always one of the first names on his team sheet.’
Khan points out that while Ralani will have to be used sparingly due to his age, he still has a few good seasons left in his legs. ‘Surprise can’t play in every game because of his age so the Sundowns coaches will have to use him very carefully and selectively. But when he does play he is the type of player that will give them that extra little bit to win important games.’
As he starts a new chapter in his career, Ralani will be aiming to make an immediate impact at Masandawana. If he settles quickly into his new environment fans across the African continent can expect to be treated to the kind of skill that’s endeared him to both Cape Town City and Swedish fans over the past decade.
