Rayners: Coach Mngqithi Played Huge Role In Me 

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners has paid tribute to the departed coach Manqoba Mngqithi, saying he helped him to adapt so quickly to the rigorous that is entailed at the African giants since he joined during the off-season. 

The Bafana Bafana attacker joined the Brazilians at the beginning of this current season from Stellenbosch after Sundowns had triggered the release clause in his contract. 

His move to Sundowns was pushed by the former club coach Mngqithi, who has since left the club after he was sacked and replaced by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso last week. 

Since Rayners joined the Brazilians, the former SuperSport United talisman has scored 11 goals for the South African giants. His first came on his debut against Mbabane Swallows in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, before netting the winner as Sundowns beat Raja Casablanca in the Champions League group stage match on Sunday, to register their first victory to be up and running.

“For me, it was all about hard work focusing,” Rayners told journalists. 

Another goal scored by Rayners was the Carling Knockout Cup final to Magesi FC earlier last month, but Sundowns could not get over the line as they were left stunned by Clinton Larsen’s side.

The former PSL Golden Shoe winner also netted twice as Sundowns hammered Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

 “The coach [Manqoba Mngqithi] has always believed in me, the technical team, and also the players have always been supportive of me. I’m happy to be here and that’s why I always do a great job,” he concluded.

Rayners’ last goal for the Brazilians against Raja, was his third goal in the Champions League as he scored his second goal against the other Moroccan giant AS FAR in Morocco before facing Raja. 

The next game for Rayners and his team will be against his former side Stellenbosch on Wednesday at Cape Town Stadium. Rayners will be facing his former side for the first time since he left Stellies.