Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners, left, has rediscovered his scoring form during a crucial part of the season.
Image: BackpagePix
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Manqoba Ngwenya believes in-form striker Iqraam Rayners could play a key role for the Brazilians as they enter an important phase of the season with CAF Champions League football returning.
After spending time on the sidelines earlier in the campaign, Rayners has rediscovered his rhythm in the second half of the season. His improved form has not only strengthened Sundowns’ attacking options but also revived his hopes of earning a place in the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the Fifa World Cup.
The former Stellenbosch FC forward has been instrumental in Sundowns’ recent run of strong performances, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions. His contributions have helped the Brazilians maintain momentum in the Betway Premiership title race, where they remain locked in a tight battle with Orlando Pirates.
Ngwenya shared his thoughts after Sundowns produced a dominant second-half display to secure a 2–0 victory over Orbit College, a result that allowed them to reclaim top spot in the standings.
“Rayners could have scored early in the game if he had been more clinical,” Ngwenya said on SoccerBeat.
“As much as he gave a man-of-the-match performance once again, showing his quality and the player he is, if he could have taken those chances in the first half it would have made it much more comfortable for us. I thought we played a good, patient game. Orbit defended well, but you could tell that Sundowns were going to break them in the end.”
Rayners continues to face strong competition in attack, particularly from Colombian striker Brayan León, who has also been performing well. With domestic duties briefly taking a back seat, Sundowns will now shift their focus to their upcoming Champions League clash against Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday.
Ngwenya believes Rayners should lead the line as the team looks to secure an advantage in the first leg.
“Jayden Adams was suspended in the Betway Premiership, so he comes back in the middle with Teboho Mokoena,” Ngwenya continued.
“I would definitely start with Rayners. He is showing fine form and he is the type of player who always gives defenders headaches, especially playing at home. He will be a handful for the opponents. León is a quality striker who can always come in and add some value at the end.”
Sundowns appear to be finding their rhythm at an important stage of the season. The squad has also recently featured former Pirates midfielder Monnapule Saleng, who has begun settling into the team after joining the club earlier in the January transfer window.
Ngwenya believes Saleng’s adaptation is progressing well and expects the winger to improve further as he becomes more familiar with the team’s playing style.
“I thought it was an efficient performance from him against Orbit. He is still getting used to the style of play at Sundowns and not always having to get the ball and go at players. Sometimes you have to slow the game down, not lose the ball and be patient to find spaces behind the defenders.
“I thought his adjustment was very good in that sense. From game to game his form will improve, and he will get that goal.
"He played a part in the goal, and that should give him confidence. I am happy with his performance. To get 90 minutes was good for him.”
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch