“Fighting For Lives And Families” — Why Rayners Is Wary Of “Tricky” Chippa Clash

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners stressed the need for momentum ahead of Friday’s Betway Premiership clash against Chippa United.

Sundowns head into the fixture with their sights firmly set on reclaiming top spot in the league standings.

The Brazilians are currently second on the log with 50 points, just one point behind leaders Orlando Pirates, and they still have a crucial game in hand that could prove decisive in the title race.

However, despite their strong position, Rayners is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits them against the Chilli Boys side, fighting to secure their top-flight status.

Chippa are placed 13th on the table with 20 points, sitting six points above bottom-placed Magesi, and will be desperate to pick up valuable points.

“It is always going to be a difficult one because teams at the bottom, when it’s this time of the end of the season, they always fight for their jobs, lives, and families,” he said.

“So, it is not going to be an easy one, but for us, we just have to keep the momentum. We need to keep the winning momentum. We take it one game at a time, and that is the most important thing.”

This clash also marks the second meeting between the two sides this season.

In their first encounter earlier in the campaign, Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa in the Eastern Cape, a result that underlines the potential threat the Chilli Boys pose.

The Sundowns’ top goal scorer also reflected on the recently concluded FIFA international break, highlighting its importance for both rest and preparation ahead of the demanding run-in.

“For me, I think it was a good break because we had to spend time with our families,” he added.

“When we came back this week, it was good to focus on our next game, which is on Friday evening.

“I think the preparations went well because the coach knew what we needed to do, and when we went to the four-day break, we were told we would have a game on Friday.

“The guys know what to do and how to do it, so it is all about focusing on this game and doing our best.”

With the title race heating up and pressure mounting at both ends of the table, Friday’s encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair as Sundowns aim to continue their winning run while Chippa fight for survival.