African All-Star of September – Iqraam Rayners

Four goals in his first four appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns. That’ll silence any doubters. When Iqraam Rayners signed from Stellenbosch, there were some doubts as to how he would fit in with the way Sundowns played. How would he adapt to a more possession-based style of play?

The answer ended up being that he would adapt very, very well.

Rayners made his debut for Sundowns in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League in mid-September against Mbabane Swallows. He opened his account with a goal in a dominant 4-0 win, drilling a shot into the bottom corner with the kind of power that’s become his trademark.

The next game posed a bigger challenge for Rayners against his former club SuperSport United in the first week of the new Betway Premiership season.

He passed the test with flying colours by breaking the deadlock in the second half after combining well with Themba Zwane before finishing with authority.

Sundowns went on to win the game 2-0 and their league campaign was up and running.

The striker then made it three in three games in a win against Marumo Gallants when he latched onto a cross from Tashreeq Matthews with a composed one-touch finish into the roof of the net.

Next up was one of the most high-profile fixtures on the PSL calendar with Kaizer Chiefs hosting Sundowns at a packed FNB Stadium. This was an early opportunity for Rayners to show how valuable he can be on the big occasions.

The intensity and pressure went up early in the game when Ranga Chivaviro put the hosts in the lead to the delight of the screaming home fans. It was the first time that Sundowns were behind with Rayners on the field.

Shortly afterwards, he had a great opportunity to silence the mass of Chiefs supporters, but he side-footed the ball wide of the post.

He reacted with head in hands with relieved cheers from the crowd ringing in his ears. Would that dent his confidence?

He answered that question with a resounding “no”.

After Lucas Ribeiro Costa brought matters level, he then turned provider when he squared a pass to Rayners who made no mistake with the finish.

The striker wheeled away in delight, cupped his ears to the crowd and proved that this is the type of stage he can thrive in.

Sundowns held on to win and ended off the month at the top of the table. Rayners sits joint-top of the top scorers list.

Masandawana is a team that creates more quality chances for its strikers than others. Having already created an understanding with his teammates, Rayners could well be able to increase his mark of 15 league goals that he reached last season.

The champions will be delighted with his contribution in the league, but coach Manqoba Mnqithi has stated that he’s primarily been brought to improve their chances in the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns have found themselves a star on the local stage. Can he help them to a second star on the continental stage?