Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is happy with the acquisition of Iqraam Rayners, who he feels will be key in the CAF Champions League.
Manqoba Mngqithi is thrilled to have striker Iqraam Rayners at his disposal as he believes he fits in like a glove in their plans for continental football.
Rayners had a brilliant outing last season, scoring 17 goals and registering eight assists in 38 games across all competitions for Stellenbosch. And while he missed out on the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot by one goal, he still got some notable recognition.
The 28-year-old was nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season award, and became a key member of the national team, Bafana Bafana, under coach Hugo Broos.
Amid those exploits, reports have been rife that he’ll be joining Mamelodi Sundowns during the course of the week after his release clause was triggered by the local champions.
The Brazilians’ head coach Mngqithi reflected on capturing the services of Rayners and identified where his qualities will come in handy the most.
“As for Iqraam, we are happy to have him because he will add something to the club. I’m looking at him more for the Champions League than the PSL,” Mngqithi said.
“In as much as he will help us in the PSL, but I think in the Champions League, he will give us something more.”
The continental crown is something that the Brazilians long for the most, given that it’s been eight seasons since they topped the charts in African football.
And having someone like Rayners in their squad could really see the club reach the promised land as the former Stellies man is quick, has an eye for goal and is more mature than the time he joined Sundowns’ cross-town rivals SuperSport United in 2020.
However, before Rayners can think about doing well on the continent, he must impress on the local front as he could make his debut for Sundowns against former side Stellies in the MTN8 semi-final in two weeks’ time.
Sundowns have been drawn against Stellies for the Wafa Wafa two-legged semi-final after beating Polokwane City 1-0 after extra-time in the last eight on Sunday afternoon.
Sundowns were quick going forward and could have rendered the match a non-contest in the first half but they forgot to bring their scoring boots.
So, with Stellies set to test their character given their style of play, Mngqithi said they are looking forward to the game.
“I think I like it. I think I like it. Honestly, I think it’s a very good draw for all the teams,” Mngqithi said.
“We’ll again face a low block, and counter-attack. I think this is a very good preparation for us because our season is going to be defined by these types of matches.
“We are going to play these types of matches almost every week, so it’s good to prepare for them. To win the championship, you need to win these types of games.”
The Brazilians will face Stellies in the semi-final without the injured first- choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and with next in line Denis Onyango suspended.
Onyango was red-carded late in regulation time against Polokwane City after he handled the ball outside the box, denying Hlayisi Chauke a clear scoring opportunity.
Mngqithi was happy with his team’s resilience during extra-time as they forced Thabang Matuludi into conceding a late own goal.
“Maybe the setback of getting a red card is also good for the team. It also builds a little bit of character,” Mngqithi said.
“I always like these moments – that’s why I always say every cloud has got a silver lining. When you get a red card, and you can win the match, that will never be forgotten.
“It’s an investment that we’ll have this season because it means even next time when we get a red card we’ll still fight to win the match, no matter what.”
Williams and Onyango’s unavailability will create room for third-choice goalkeeper Jody February to make only his third appearance for the team, having been in and out of the club.
Mngqithi was impressed with February’s pre-season and clean sheet during extra-time against City and he believes the 28-year-old is in the right frame of mind.
