Latest news with #Rayners
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.'
The South African
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns transfers: Three best signings this season
Mamelodi Sundowns have always been the team to beat, and anyone who dared to stop them needed to be at their best. As always, the Brazilians had a slow start to the campaign, but perhaps this had everything to do with their congested fixture schedule. Sundowns bosses were even forced to make coaching changes in October with Miguel Cardoso replacing Manqoba Mngqithi as head coach. But who, from the players they acquired this term, have been their best signings in no particular order? Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns website IQRAAM RAYNERS Rayners took a brave decision of returning to the Gauteng province, this time with Sundowns after a failed stint with SuperSport United. And it didn't take time for him to hit the ground running as he took over from Peter Shalulile and shared the goalscoring load with Lucas Ribeiro Costa. Rayners finished the league campaign with 14 goals, and has scored 21 times, assisted in nine in 42 matches across all competitions this season. MALIBONGWE KHOZA The 21-year-old centre-back was promoted to the Sundowns senior team at the start of the season after impressing in the Dstv Diski Challenge (DDC). And Khoza hasn't disappointed at all, both locally and on the continent, benching seasoned players such as Mothobi Mvala and at times Mosa Lebusa. Interestingly, Sundowns NEVER LOST a domestic match when Khoza is in the starting line-up this term. They only lost once – against Raja – in the CAF Champions League with the young defender starting. ARTHUR SALES Sales has divided opinions among the South African football fans since his arrival but he, honestly, had a decent season. The 22-year-old has missed some sitters but he has scored a few beauties while also playing a role in helping his teammates score. Sales has nine goals and 10 assists in the 37 matches he has played for Sundowns since his arrival at the start of the campaign. NB: A special mention to Jayden Adams who contributed immensely despite joining Sundowns from Stellies mid-season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
First look an NEW Betway Premiership trophy
Mamelodi Sundowns got to lift the new Betway Premiership trophy on Sunday following their 2-0 home win over Magesi FC. Masandawana won a record-extending eighth league title this season – and their 15th overall. As a reminder, Betway took over as headline sponsors of the league in South Africa ahead of the current season from Absa who stepped away. Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro scored twice as champions Mamelodi Sundowns wrapped up their Betway Premiership season on Sunday with a win over lowly Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. It took his league tally to 16 goals, two more than team-mate Iqraam Rayners and eight ahead of another Mamelodi Sundowns star from Brazil, Arthur Sales, and Devin Titus from third-placed Stellenbosch FC. 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 Mamelodi 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 Masandawana a fourth-minute lead at Loftus Versfeld. 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. Mamelodi Sundowns also controlled the second half against 12th-placed Magesi FC 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 mentor 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. Mamelodi Sundowns completed the 28-round Betway Premiership with 73 points, the same total as last season, but from two fewer matches after Royal AM were booted out the league. 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. Mamelodi 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. Champions Mamelodi Sundowns completed their Betway Premiership season on Sunday with a win over lowly Magesi FC in Pretoria. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns website Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns finish Betway Premiership season in style
Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro scored twice as champions Mamelodi Sundowns completed their Betway Premiership season on Sunday with a 2-0 win over lowly Magesi FC in Pretoria. It took his league tally to 16 goals, two more than team-mate Iqraam Rayners and eight ahead of another Mamelodi Sundowns star from Brazil, Arthur Sales, and Devin Titus from third-placed Stellenbosch FC. 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 Mamelodi 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 Masandawana a fourth-minute lead at Loftus Versfeld. 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. Mamelodi Sundowns also controlled the second half against 12th-placed Magesi FC 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 mentor 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. Mamelodi Sundowns completed the 28-round Betway 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. Mamelodi 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. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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.
