Rayners could lead Sundowns' charge for long awaited Caf glory
Image: Backpagepix
Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their MTN8 journey with a home fixture against Richards Bay FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday evening (18:00 kick-off), as they look to end a surprisingly long wait for domestic cup success.
While the Tshwane giants have continued to assert themselves as kings of the Betway Premiership—securing a seventh successive league title—they've found cup competitions less forgiving in recent seasons.
Their hunger to conquer African football has grown, but at home, they've had to settle for near misses. That's why lifting the MTN8 is expected to feature high on their to-do list this season.
Their last domestic triumph came in this very competition in 2021/22, and by their high standards, that feels like a drought. The Brazilians bowed out in disappointing fashion in last year's MTN8, falling to Stellenbosch FC in both legs of the semi-final by a 1-0 scoreline.
Since winning the MTN8 in 2021/22, however, they've added to their continental pedigree by winning the inaugural African Football League and retaining their league crown with relative ease.
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The last time they reached a domestic final was their 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup of the 2023/24 season—another reminder that despite their league dominance, cup glory continues to elude them.
Heading into his first full season in charge, head coach Miguel Cardoso will be eager to make an early statement by guiding the Chloorkop-based side to MTN8 glory. Much of that ambition will rest on the shoulders of in-form striker Iqraam Rayners.
The Bafana Bafana forward made a seamless transition into the Sundowns setup after joining from Stellenbosch FC, and was one of the standout performers last season. Between league and cup competitions, Rayners bagged 24 goals and chipped in with nine assists. Alongside Brazilian star Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the pair gave opposing defences plenty to think about.
Despite his prolific form, Rayners was surprisingly overlooked for the Premier Soccer League's Footballer of the Season award—a snub that didn't sit well with many observers.
Still, the 29-year-old remains upbeat and focused.
'A lot of people did not believe in me, but I obviously believe in myself and the coaches and the players,' Rayners told the club's podcast.
'My first season I was happy to be at the club and doing my best.'
While disappointed after seeing the list of nominees, Rayners took it in stride.
'I was a bit disappointed because I had a good season last season with a good team and good players and coaches believed in me. I was disappointed when I saw the players that were nominated.'
With talk swirling around Ribeiro's potential departure, the timing could be right for Rayners to further stake his claim as a key figure for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. The upcoming MTN8 could serve as his personal and team platform to deliver silverware and silence any lingering doubt.
More than that, the tournament serves as a pre-season springboard—an opportunity to kickstart the campaign in fine fashion and dominate not only the league but every front.
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