Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has confirmed the signing of Stellenbosch FC’s star striker, Iqraam Rayners, and sheds light on the reasons behind this acquisition.
After narrowly advancing to the next round of the MTN8 with a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday, Mngqithi addressed the media during the post-match interview.
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He explained that the club sees Rayners as a crucial addition, particularly for their CAF Champions League campaign.
“We are happy to have him because he will add something to the club,” Mngqithi stated.
“I am looking at him more for the (CAF) Champions League than even in the PSL. As much as he will help us in the PSL, I think in the Champions League, he will give us something more.”
Rayners, 28, joins Sundowns after an impressive second stint at Stellenbosch, where he scored 32 goals and provided 16 assists in 68 matches since rejoining the club in January 2022 from SuperSport United.
However, the Bafana Bafana international will not be able to make his debut for Sundowns immediately, as he is cup-tied in the MTN8.
He previously played for Stellenbosch in their 3-1 victory over TS Galaxy in the MTN8 quarterfinals earlier this month at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Sundowns are set to face Rayners’ former club, Stellenbosch, in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal encounter.
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The other semifinal will see Orlando Pirates traveling to Cape Town City for the first leg.