Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners says that the break that they got during the long Fifa calendar recess was vital and that they are charged up to face Chippa United in the Betway Premiership match on Friday night. The match will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and kick-off is at 7:00pm.
The match was brought forward to lessen Sundowns’ heavy fixture schedule as the league approaches the business end. Sundowns are still involved in the CAF Champions League and will be facing Esperance of Tunisia in the semifinals. Sundowns will play another league match against Durban City on Tuesday.
Rayners on top form
The slippery Rayners has scored 10 goals and made three assists, and he will be looking to add a few more strikes to entice Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos into recalling him for the final 2026 World Cup final squad.
Said Rayners ahead of the Chippa match: “The break was good because we were able to spend time with our families. We were off for four days, and preparations have been going well. The coach knew what was in his head, and he told us when we went for the break that we would be playing on Friday. So, the guys knew what to do, and it is all about focusing on our match and doing our best.”
‘We expect tough fight’
“It is always going to be a difficult one because when it approaches the end of the season. It is always difficult to play against teams that are at the bottom of the log because they are fighting for their jobs, for their lives, and for their families. For us, it is not going to be easy, and we must keep up with the momentum, win our games, and keep it one game at a time,” Rayners added.
The former Stellenbosch FC goal poacher has also wished South African citizens a safe Easter weekend and urged the club’s supporters to come in numbers and to cheer for the team on Friday.
“I just want to wish South African people to travel safely and to be safe on the roads. I also call on those who are not going on Easter holidays to come and support Sundowns on Friday,” he added.
- Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners appreciated the break during the FIFA calendar recess, emphasizing its importance for rest and preparation ahead of the match against Chippa United.
- The Betway Premiership match against Chippa United will be held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday at 7:00 pm and was rescheduled to ease Sundowns' congested fixture list.
- Sundowns are juggling multiple competitions, including the CAF Champions League semifinals against Esperance, with another league game against Durban City scheduled soon after.
- Rayners has scored 10 goals and provided three assists this season and aims to impress Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for a potential recall to the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Rayners expects a tough match against Chippa United, urging supporters to attend and also wished South Africans a safe Easter weekend.
