Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker credits striker Iqraam Rayners’ resurgence to a newfound happiness at the club.

Rayners rocketed to the top of the PSL scoring charts with a stunning five-goal performance in their victory over Polokwane City at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.

The former SuperSport United forward now sits on 13 goals, two clear of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa. Rayners has thrived since returning to Stellenbosch in January last year. He previously struggled at SuperSport after leading Stellenbosch to promotion from the National First Division in 2019.

“I think it was matter of him (Rayners) being back in a happy place you know, at the position that he plays as a number nine down the middle so think at Supersport he was not used as an out and out striker,” reflected Barker. 

This win propelled Stellenbosch into second place, initially holding a six-point lead with 46 points after 25 matches. However, Orlando Pirates closed the gap to three points after their 4-0 thrashing of Royal AM at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.

Impressively, Stellenbosch are now unbeaten in 24 matches, their last defeat coming against Mamelodi Sundowns in September last year.

Barker, who has been at the helm for over six years, believes the team is finally hitting its stride. “I think our recipe right now is working, we’re difficult to score against, we’ve got desire and a good attitude and going forward we look like we’ve got goals in us,” presumed the 56-year-old. 

Stellenbosch will aim to solidify their second-place position when they host Golden Arrows at Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday evening.