Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi confirmed the capture of striker Iqraam Rayners as the Brazilians prepare their assault for a coveted CAF Champions League crown.
Mngqithi revealed that Masandawana have won the race for one of the most sought-after goal poachers in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The coach let the cat out of the bag after Sundowns’ quarter-final match against Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.
Sundowns won the match by 1-0, thanks to an own goal by City’s Thabang Matuludi.
Rayners is expected to join up with the Sundowns squad this week as the defending league champions aim to extend their local dominance.
“We are happy to have him (Rayners) because he will add something to the club,” Mngqithi said with a huge smile.
“I’m looking at him more for the Champions League than the PSL. As much as he is going to help us in the PSL, I think in the Champions League that’s where he will really give us something.”
The Champions League trophy has evaded the Tshwane giants since their first and only continental triumph in 2016 under former coach Pitso Mosimane.
The best the Brazilians have done over recent years is reaching the semi-finals, with their last appearance in the previous season.
Rayners will hope his second stint in the highveld becomes a success compared to the first when he signed for SuperSport United.
The former Santos FC forward moved to SuperSport in 2020 but struggled to continue his scoring prowess.
The striker made 58 appearances for Matsatsantsa a Pitori and scored five goals before being shipped back to Stellies at the beginning of 2023 and found his scoring boots again.
Last season, Rayners scored 15 goals in the league and lost the Golden Boots race to Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa who netted an impressive 16.
Iqraam Rayners move confirmed 👆#MTN8 | @iDiskiTimes pic.twitter.com/vL76bZqtXF
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) August 11, 2024
