Iqraam Rayners and James Chamanga hold the record of being the only players to score five goals in one game in a top-flight contest, but now, the Mamelodi Sundowns man wants to become the first to net half-a-dozen strikes.
Chamanga netted his haul of five goals while in the colours of a then revered Moroka Swallows in 2007 against Platinum Stars, which was the same season he won the 2007/08 PSL Golden Boot award.
After numerous tries from players like Katlego Mashego, Bernard Parker, Gabadinho Mhango, Thobani Mncwango, it was Rayners who managed to match the record set by Chamanga about a decade and a half ago. Mhango and company all managed to score four goals in one league match.
READ: Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro happy with three points, not impressed by the team’s display
After opening his scoring account at Sundowns in the league and in the Caf Champions League group stage qualifiers, Rayners now sets his sights on going a notch higher and scoring half-a-dozen goals to become the sole holder of the record of most goals in a single league match.
“For me it was a good feeling (to score five goals) and I asked the players if they can get me to more than three goals. Personally, that is a game I will never forget and maybe this season I can break the record.
“For me it is always good to score whatever amount of goals in a game,” Rayners told the Pitchside Podcast.
“I felt like I could go for more because Polokwane City were struggling with the speed and they were open all the time because they wanted to get back in the game.
“But for me I told the guys while we were playing that I want more,” he said as he recalled his Man of the Match winning performance against Rise and Shine on Freedom Day.
⚽ 17’
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 28, 2024
⚽ 65’
⚽ 75’
⚽ 79’
⚽ 82’
Watch all FIVE GOALS Iqraam Rayners scored against Polokwane City as he equaled James Chamanga’s PSL record of five goals in a single match (𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟕)@SamsungSA pic.twitter.com/ZCPHFmO1SG
Rayners finished as the runner up in the race for the PSL Golden Boot, which was bagged by Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa.
The Buccaneers’ forward scored 16 goals last term while Rayners managed 15. The duo are expected to go neck to neck again this season as they’ve already got off the mark in the Betway Premiership.
However, Rayners’ huge appetite for goal will not render him a selfish player, as he commits to putting the team first ahead of his personal targets.
“Sometimes when you have opportunities to score you need to take them because it will help the team. Sometimes when you are not in a good position, you pass it on to someone else. I am always happy if I can score or help someone else, as long as we get the points,” Rayners explained.
Sundowns, meanwhile, will host Mbabane Swallows in the second-leg of the Champions League to consolidate their way to the group stage after a 4-0 win in the reverse fixture.
The tie is scheduled to take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 6PM, and you can place your bet on this tie here.
Sundowns v Swallows betting odds
1/20 Sundowns | 9/1 Draw | 20/1 Swallows
