Rayners: “It’s going to be a tough one against Stellenbosch”

By Ayanda Nyuswa

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners says he is expecting a tough encounter against Stellenbosch FC when the two sides meet in a Betway Premiership clash at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday. Miguel Cardoso will lead the Brazilians for the first time in the league, after his appointment as head coach of Sundowns following the departure of Manqoba Mngqithi.

Sundowns’ previous league match came at the end of November where they outclassed Sekhukhune United 3-0 at Loftus Versfeld. The Tshwane giants currently occupy top spot on the log, albeit on goal difference as they are level on points with Orlando Pirates. Steve Barker’s men were also victorious in their previous league match, as they inflicted Orlando Pirates with their first league defeat (1-0) of the season.

Both Sundowns and Stellies are in the heat battle on the continent in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively. They go into the match having picked up their first wins in Africa, Sundowns beat Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca (1-0) in Miguel Cardoso’s first match in charge. Stellenbosch overcame the challenge of Angolan side Lunda Sul (1-0) away from home, to record a win after suffering defeat in their first two matches in Group B of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Rayners, who joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch ahead of the 2024/25 season, says he is expecting a tough outing against his former side.

“For me I know it is going to be a tough one against Stellenbosch, not gonna be an easy one but we will keep on working, pushing each other on the field and off the field,” said Rayners.

“The support from the coaches, we have a good technical team, jah for us it is all about winning the game on Wednesday evening. For us as strikers, forwards, midfielders we always push each other, even the goalkeepers and defenders. The technical team always supports the players on the field and for me myself I always get opportunities to score goals and I am always getting help from my players on the field. I am happy to score goals and keep the momentum.

“I know it’s going to be a tough game, they are coming all the way from Angola with a win so it’s gonna be a good fight, good opportunity for us and for them to get the 3 points but most importantly for us is to focus on ourselves. We need to get the 3 points, it is important for us.”