Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena is wary of the attacking threat posed by Stellenbosch FC’s front three: Anicet Oura, Devin Titus, and Iqraam Rayners.

This trio, supported by Andre de Jong in a diamond formation, has been firing on all cylinders this season, propelling Stellenbosch to second place in the DStv Premiership (although they cannot catch Sundowns).

The upcoming clash at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday will be a rematch of last year’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final, where Rayners’ brace sent Sundowns packing and ended their 24-match unbeaten run.

Stellenbosch are in red-hot form, unbeaten in 25 games across all competitions since their September loss to Sundowns. Rayners leads the charge with a remarkable 16 goals, having already helped the club lift the Carling Knockout trophy last year.

His impressive run includes a five-goal haul against Polokwane City last weekend, making him the first player since James Chamanga achieved this feat in September 2007 with Moroka Swallows against Platinum Stars at Germiston Stadium.

“They are extremely consistent and the only thing maybe in goals against Golden Arrows (on Wednesday) it was Sage Stevens, but you have seen that in some of the cup games Masuluke,” said Mokwena.  

“But the back four is quite consistent, particularly with two centre backs with Thabo Moloisane, and Ismail Toure. The physicality of Toure from set pieces is important.  

“The positioning of Thabo from the build is so key and of course, Deano van Rooyen, Fawaaz Basadien has speedy, aggression, underlaps, an inverting position not only on the line but also overloading the center. 

“And then you got Sihle Nduli, Jaydon Adams giving them the lags to arrive late in the box and create some situations, getting close to the offensive line, especially on the counter attacks.  

“But of course, everything is in and around Rayners. The moment the ball is with Iqraam, you got people Titus on his bike with his clever moments in and around. Oura is quite an interesting player, with speed, some very good qualities, and even technically even more professional.  

“So, we understand the stability that they have. The model that they are adopting is quite clear. The individual profiling is also quite clear.  

“Because of the run that they are in, they are playing in a sense of invincibility which is very important when you are coming to games like this. We got to ready for what is going to be a very difficult game at a very difficult stadium too.”

Despite Stellenbosch’s impressive form, Sundowns are unbeaten in the league this season and recently secured the title with a dominant victory over Kaizer Chiefs, wrapping it up with six games to spare.