Latest news with #IqraamRayners
The Herald
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Sundowns unable to scale Pyramids, as Egyptian club crowned kings of Africa
From there, it was Sundowns' task to aim for an unanswered goal to take the tie to extra time and penalties, or two to win. They had an outstanding chance for that spurned by Tashreeq Matthews seconds before the break. Ahmed Samy made it 3-1 heading in a free-kick in the 56th, and Downs needed two unanswered goals to win. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back in the 75th. Downs could not find another, despite substitute Peter Shalulile coming excruciatingly close . In the opening half, Sundowns paid for being that minute margin loose that can be so costly at the rarefied level of a continental final and went behind from a defensive error. Had the bounce of the ball gone their way, the Brazilians could also have gone to the break level. A cleverly-worked free-kick from the middle by Downs saw Aubrey Modiba chip short into the path of Rayners, who took the ball over his shoulder and volleyed high. At the other end a half-clearance fell to Ahmed Atef on the edge of the box to strike well, but too close to Williams, who took easily.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Five key players that can guide Mamelodi Sundowns to their Champions League dream
LUCAS Ribeiro leads the list of match winners for the Mamelodi Sundowns side that need to make sure to score in the Caf Champions League semi-final. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for what could be the most defining match in the club's illustrious history as they travel to Cairo to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium (kick-off 7pm). With the tie finely balanced following a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last week, the Brazilians know the stakes couldn't be higher. Now needing to take the initiative away from home, head coach Miguel Cardoso will be leaning on several of his top performers to deliver when it matters most. Below, we highlight five pivotal players who has the mettle to lead Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League triumph. Grant Kekana ISITOBHA seMamelodi Sundowns, uGrant Kekana, sibalwa nabadlali leli qembu elizothembela kubona ukuqhubeka nokwenza kahle emqhudelwaneni iCaf Champions League Image: BACKPAGEPIX Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A key figure in Sundowns' defensive unit, Kekana has been instrumental in both their domestic success and their progression to the Champions League final. The experienced center-back has displayed consistency and leadership throughout the campaign, but he will now face one of the sternest examinations of his career. Although Sundowns managed to win the majority of aerial duels in the first leg, they were undone by a single cross that found its way past the defense, resulting in a crucial away goal for Pyramids. With the Egyptian side known for their reliance on wide play and dangerous deliveries into the box, Kekana's positional awareness and command in the air will be vital in neutralising that threat. Iqraam Rayners MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners looking to add his name in Caf Champions League history. | BackpagePix Image: backpagePix Iqraam Rayners has been in impressive form in recent games, and his relentless desire to find the back of the net could exactly be the spark the visitors need to regain control in this high-stakes encounter. The Bafana Bafana forward has netted three goals in his last 10 outings, and with his team in a must-score situation to keep their Champions League dream alive, it will be essential for him to deliver one of his sharpest performances yet. Musa Lebusa UMusa Lebusa uthi iMamelodi Sundowns ikulungele ukuqubisana nePyramids emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga ngoMgqibelo, eLoftus Stadium. Image: Facebook Musa Lebusa may not always get the headlines, but his contribution at the back has been invaluable for the Brazilians. A dependable and composed defender, his center-back partnership with Kekana has formed a solid foundation that nearly earned them a first-leg win— with only four minutes of added time separating them from carrying an advantage to Egypt. Now, with Pyramids' dangermen Fiston Mayele and first-leg goalscorer Walid El Karti set to be on full-on attack, Lebusa's task will be to maintain composure and execute with precision and help guide his side to as little goals as possible. Lucas Ribeiro Costa Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Golden Boot winner in the Betway Premiership and by a mile Sundowns' standout player this season, Lucas Ribeiro Costa has consistently delivered in key moments. His ability to rise to the occasion has been a driving force behind the team's league success, and Cardoso will be counting on him to produce a similar spark on Sunday. Costa's goal in the first leg has kept the tie alive, and with just 90 minutes separating Sundowns from making South African football history by becoming the first club to win the CAF Champions League twice, the spotlight will be firmly on him, and his creativity and finishing could very well be the difference. Jayden Adams UJayden Adams ngomnye wabadlali eza kuthembela kubo iMamelodi Sundowns xa idibana neAl Ahly emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga namhlanje ePitoli. Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns now eye the Champions League's glory after tough start
MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners looking to add his name in Caf Champions League history. | BackpagePix Image: backpagePix The CAF Champions League is a different kettle of fish which usually separates ordinary players from the creme de la creme of the continent. As such when Mamelodi Sundowns' striker Iqraam Rayners played in his first-ever African campaign this season he duly endured its wrath. Rayners made 10 appearances for the Brazilians in Africa's premier club competition, and scored only three goals in the process. However, his novelty and mild contribution didn't show as the team still made strides to ensure that they reached the final for the first time since 2016. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Their return to the grandest stage on the continent didn't get off to a positive start, though, as they drew 1-1 with fellow finalist Pyramids in the first leg in Pretoria. That result meant that Pyramids will take an away goal advantage to the second leg at 30 June Stadium on Sunday (7pm kick-off). But not all is lost for the Brazilians as a goal in Cairo will bring them back in contention, and hopefully swing the results back in their favour in the end. Rayners, speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns TV on 'Road to the Final of Finals: Episode 8', recalled his tough start on the continent this season. 'I think it has been a tough journey for us as a team, and myself as a player because it's my first season playing in the Champions League,' Rayners explained. 'For me as a player, it was difficult because the level is not the same as the PSL - you need to bring your A-game week in and week out when you play in the Champions League. 'For us as a team, it was also difficult because we had ups and downs. I think in some games, we were supposed to win and we lost.' Life wasn't made easy by a lot of things at Sundowns this season. They also had to change coaches before the January break as Manqoba Mngqithi was replaced by Miguel Cardoso. The latter did well to find balance between building on Mngqithi's foundation and implementing his philosophy on the players in the process. And that duly paid dividends as Sundowns reached the final, beating Esperance and Al Ahly in the quarter-final and semi-final, and winning their eighth title in succession. 'W kept believing in ourselves (even during the tough times),' Rayners said. 'Even the change of coaches made it difficult for us. But we stuck together. 'When the new coach came in, we stuck with him - we knew what he wanted. He gave us all the small details about the teams. I think it's been good for us - hence we are here! 'So I think as a team, we must just remain humble and work together. I think there's an opportunity as a team when it comes to the second leg - the game on Sunday.'
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Rising stars and proven performers: New signings shine bright in debut seasons
Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns continued to set the benchmark in the Betway Premiership with yet another dominant campaign. Orlando Pirates emerged as their strongest challengers, but even their title push eventually faded under the relentless pressure of the champions. As next season approaches, the task of dethroning them remains a massive one — and clubs looking to break their grip on the title may need to dig deep into their pockets. With that in mind, we take a look at some of the most impressive signings from the 2024/25 season. Iqraam Rayners The former Stellies striker narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot by two goals, edged by his teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who ended the season with 16 goals. Joining a side that had the football world at its feet — seven consecutive league titles and ambitions stretching across the continent and beyond — Rayners had to prove himself in a star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns outfit. His clinical finishing has added real value to a team chasing its second CAF Champions League crown. At 29, Rayners is enjoying a remarkable debut campaign for the Pretoria giants, having netted 21 goals across 43 matches in all competitions. He now stands on the brink of a league and Champions League double — a potential fairytale first season. UJayden Adams ngomnye wabadlali eza kuthembela kubo iMamelodi Sundowns xa idibana neAl Ahly emdlalweni weCAF Champions League emalanga namhlanje ePitoli. Image: Backpagepix Jayden Adams The gifted attacking midfielder drew plenty of attention before choosing to join the Brazilians during the January transfer window. It didn't take long for Adams to display his class and big-match temperament. In less than six months, he has slotted into the Sundowns set-up seamlessly and become a vital cog. Adams has made 17 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. In a team brimming with midfield options, his growing importance bodes well for both the present and the seasons ahead. Deano van Rooyen Orlando Pirates players (from left) Makhehleni Makhaula, Deano van Rooyen and Relebohile Mofokeng are a big part of the history-chasing side. | ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Deano van Rooyen Van Rooyen was a defensive stalwart for the Buccaneers, anchoring a backline that played a crucial role in their respectable season — one that yielded MTN8 success and a near miss in the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs (2–1). Since his move from Stellies, the 28-year-old has thrived, and his efforts haven't gone unnoticed, earning him a place in Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos' preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendlies. A model of consistency with minimal errors, Van Rooyen also showed attacking prowess and slotted perfectly into an Orlando Pirates side known for its fluid, goal-rich football. Orlando Pirates will quickly have to put the disappointment of their Caf Champions League semi-final loss behind them ahead of a big week of domestic football that can still have a massive impact on Jose Riveiro's farewell season with the club. They need that 'we go again' mentality, because there is still a lot to play for this season. Image: AFP Thalente Mbatha Mbatha had already been integrated into the Buccaneers' set-up before his move from SuperSport United became permanent. This season, he proved to be one of José Riveiro's most trusted soldiers, forming a solid midfield partnership with Makhehlene Makhaula. With 23 league appearances under his belt, Mbatha's relentless work rate and ability to finish with aplomb — from both close range and distance — made him an indispensable piece in Pirates' midfield engine. ORLANDO Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi continues to receive rave reviews after his domestic and continental exploits. | BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX
France 24
18-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Brazilian Ribeiro strikes twice as Sundowns finish with victory
It took his league tally to 16 goals, two more than teammate Iqraam Rayners and eight ahead of another Sundowns star from Brazil, Arthur Sales, and Devin Titus from third-placed Stellenbosch. Ribeiro, who joined the Pretoria club from Belgian outfit Beveren in mid 2023, was lauded by Chilean Marcelo Allende, one of five South Americans on Sundowns' books. "Lucas is not only the best footballer in South Africa, he is the best footballer in Africa," said the midfielder. Ribeiro deflected a Rayners shot past veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to give 15-time champions Sundowns a fourth-minute lead at Loftus Versfeld stadium. His second goal on 22 minutes stemmed from a clever free-kick manoeuvre that ended with Ribeiro placing the ball in the corner of the net with Chipezeze stationery. A Rayners header off a Ribeiro cross and a Teboho Mokoena free-kick both rebounded off the woodwork in a first half dominated by the home side. Sundowns also controlled the second half against 12th-placed Magesi and Sales wasted a great opportunity to increase the lead when he scuffed a low cross. "It was a pleasure to watch Sundowns playing tonight," said Miguel Cardoso, the Portuguese coach who replaced sacked local Manqoba Mngqithi last December. "There was energy, character and happiness from the players, and the second goal was perfectly constructed. "I hope all South Africans are proud of Sundowns because they are fantastic ambassadors for the country," added the 52-year-old. Sundowns completed the 28-round Premiership with 73 points, the same total as last season, as they were crowned champions a record-extending eighth consecutive time. Having conquered South Africa again, they now turn their attention to the two-leg CAF Champions League final, then the Club World Cup in the United States. Sundowns face Egyptian outfit Pyramids in the premier African club competition on May 24 in Pretoria and June 1 in Cairo. In the revamped Club World Cup, they are in Group F with Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and South Korean representatives Ulsan. The other African contenders are Al Ahly of Egypt, Esperance of Tunisia and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, all former Champions League winners.
