sportskeeda
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners has paid tribute to the late coach Manqoba Mngqithi, expressing appreciation for his support in quickly acclimating to the rigorous demands of the African football giant since his off-season arrival.
The Bafana Bafana forward joined the Brazilians at the beginning of the current season from Stellenbosch after Sundowns exercised the release clause in his contract.
This transfer was recommended by former head coach Mngqithi, who was let go last week and replaced by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso.
Since Rayners joined Sundowns, the former SuperSport United player has scored 11 goals for the South African side. His first goal came during his debut against Mbabane Swallows in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, followed by a crucial strike in the Champions League group match against Raja Casablanca, helping his team secure their first victory of the campaign.
“For me, it has always been about hard work and concentration,” Rayners told reporters.
Rayners netted once in the Carling Knockout Cup final against Magesi FC last month, although Sundowns suffered an unexpected defeat to Clinton Larsen’s team.
The previous PSL Golden Shoe winner added two more goals during Sundowns’ 4-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
“The coach [Manqoba Mngqithi] always believed in me, and the support from the technical staff and my teammates has been incredible. I’m excited to be part of this team, which inspires me to give my all,” he concluded.
Rayners’ latest goal against Raja was his third in the Champions League, having also scored against Moroccan side AS FAR before facing Raja.
This week, Rayners and his squad are set to take on his former club Stellenbosch on Wednesday at Cape Town Stadium, marking his first match against Stellies since his departure.
