Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has expressed his excitement about the club’s acquisition of Iqraam Rayners from Stellenbosch FC.

Mngqithi, who took over from Rulani Mokwena during the off-season, stated that the signing of Rayners is primarily intended for the CAF Champions League, where Sundowns have faced exits in the past two seasons in the semifinals.

The club had been searching for a striker since January this past, with Mokwena previously expressing interest in Tshegofatso Mabasa from Orlando Pirates, who eventually won the PSL Golden Boot award.

“As for Iqraam, we are happy to have him, because he will add something to the club. I’m looking at him more for the Champions League than for the PSL,” said Mngqithi. 

“In as much as he will help us in the PSL, but I think in the Champions League, he will really give us more.” 

Mngqithi made these remarks after Sundowns’ hard-fought victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarterfinals at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. Interestingly, Sundowns will now face Rayners’ soon-to-be-former club, Stellenbosch, in the two-legged semifinal.

Rayners has been in excellent form since returning to Stellenbosch in the second half of the 2022/23 season following an unsuccessful stint at SuperSport United. He narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot last season, scoring 15 league goals. However, he showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting five goals in a single match against Polokwane City, the only player to do since James Chamanga with Moroka Swallows since 2008.

Rayners also played a crucial role in Stellenbosch’s historic Carling Knockout Cup triumph, where they defeated TS Galaxy in Durban.

Mnqgithi, after he was applauded by the media to be open on Rayners’ signing even though the club has not confirmed the move, later change his tune.  

“On the issue of Iqraam, by the way, it would be nice to have him,” much to the amusement of the media.