Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has shared his insights regarding the club's recent acquisition, Iqraam Rayners, who has transferred from Stellenbosch FC.
Although the 28-year-old forward has not yet been officially announced by the Tshwane-based club, he has been seen participating in training sessions at Chloorkop.
Rayners, previously with SuperSport United, had a remarkable season last season, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists across 39 matches in all competitions.
He is anticipated to maintain his strong performance from his time at Stellenbosch. Kekana believes that Rayners will be particularly beneficial in the CAF Champions League, as opposed to domestic tournaments.
HLOMPO KEKANA SHARES VERDICT ON IQRAAM RAYNERS
“I don't think in the Premier League he will help them, but in the [CAF] Champions League he's going to help them, that's where you play ¡zintanga zakho lyour equals]. They open the pitch,” Kekana said on SABC Sport.
“And if you know the style of play of Rayners, he's not a player that plays in short spaces, he likes to break the lines a lot, like Khama Billiat used to play.
“He will struggle a lot when you play against teams with low blocks [in the PSL. When you play for Sundowns you must be able to play in the short spaces.
“I don't think Iqraam is a player that can play in short spaces. I think he's a runner, he can break the line, he knows how to score, make no mistake.”
Just like Kekana, Mngqithi thinks Rayners will be more useful in the CAF Champions League due to his pace his utilises behind the defence.
WHAT MNGQITHI SAID ABOUT RAYNERS?
“We are happy to have him because he will add something to the club. I am looking at him more for the Champions League than the PSL – in as much as he will help us in the PSL, but I think in the Champions League he will really give us something,” said Mngqithi.
