sportskeeda
Iqraam Rayners, a forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, has warned against underestimating Chippa United, highlighting that the Gqeberha-based squad can challenge the Brazilians as the two teams prepare to clash on Wednesday at 19:30.
Masandawana will host the Chilli Boys at Loftus Versfeld Stadium for a Betway Premiership match, with the former aiming for a record-extending eighth consecutive title, while the latter seeks to boost their chances of securing a top eight finish.
Heading into the match, Miguel Cardoso’s team boasts a robust nine-point lead at the top of the table, accumulating 61 points from 24 league matches. In contrast, Thabo September’s squad currently occupies eighth place with 30 points from 25 games.
With Chippa sharing points with Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants, positioned ninth and tenth respectively, and just one point ahead of Richards Bay and Magesi, who sit in 11th and 12th, Rayners expects a tough match in the capital.
“Facing teams near the bottom is always challenging since they are battling to break into the top eight; they are often fighting for their survival. For us, it’s essential to secure points and focus on our next match,” Rayners stated.
“Certainly, it’s advantageous for a team like Chippa United to face a squad such as Sundowns; they will always pose challenges for us, and for our part, it’s about improving our performance and securing the points.”
Rayners noted that their opponents possess several players who can create significant threats. He further emphasized that the Tshwane giants are not overly fixated on defending their league title as the season progresses.
“Chippa United has numerous players who can pose problems; I recognize the quality within their squad,” added the 29-year-old striker, who joined Sundowns in August 2024 following a stellar 2023/24 season, where he scored 17 goals and provided eight assists for Stellies.
“No, [we are not preoccupied with the league title]; for us, it’s about focusing on one game at a time and maximizing points, and that’s our strategy.”
Rayners is a contender for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot, having netted 11 goals in the Betway Premiership—just two behind leader and teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa. Overall, the Cape Town-born forward has scored 18 goals and recorded nine assists across all competitions this season.
