Mamelodi Sundowns’ new acquisition Iqraam Rayners has revealed his ambitions at his new club for the new season after his release clause was triggered. 

The 28-year-old striker arrives at Chloorkop on the back of a stellar season with Stellenbosch FC after scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists in 39 appearances across all competitions, guiding the club to a Carling Knockout title and a CAF Confederations Cup spot. 

The 2023/24 PSL footballer of the season nominee has set his sights on lifting more trophies with the reigning league champions and continuing to score goals as he looks to write a new chapter in his story. 

However, Rayners faces tough competition for a regular starting berth at a star-studded Sundowns side, comprising other deadly forwards such as Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro Costa, and Arthur Sales.   

“I’m going to take number 32 or 31, one of those two numbers they are going to give me, but I’m happy to have it, ” said Rayners.

”I just want to do the most to help the team this season, I want to score as much as I can and win trophies, ” he added. 

The Bafana international has shown the resilience and mentality needed to play for Sundowns, citing that competition is good for the team, suggesting that he is ready to fight for his place despite facing stern competition. 

“It’s not about the jersey number, I’ll take any number they give me. For me, the motivation is to compete week-in-week-out, to play as many games as I can, ” he said. “So, it’s always nice like that, to have competition and all the positions there’s always competition. ” 

While he acknowledges that the Tshwane giants play a lot of matches, mostly due to their continental commitments, Rayners has expressed immense excitement at signing for the club and is optimistic about having a good debut season. 

“A team like Sundowns plays a lot of games, so it’s going to be a nice season, it’s going to be a nice feeling for me, and I’m happy to be a Masandawana, ” said the new Downs striker. 

Rayners is likely to make his Sundowns debut in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash against Mbabane Swallows of Eswatini as he was cup-tied for the second leg encounter of the MTN8 semi-final against his former club Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Article by Trevor Magoro