Rayners eyes goalscoring milestones as Sundowns prepare for Golden Arrows cup test

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqram Rayners is determined to continue his impressive goalscoring form as the Brazilians prepare for their Carling Knockout Cup encounter against Golden Arrows.

The 30-year-old comes into the knockout fixture in confident mood after finding the back of the net in Sundowns’ recent victory over Durban City on Saturday. Since joining the Tshwane giants from Stellenbosch FC, Rayners has steadily established himself as an important attacking option.

The forward says scoring always feels special, but his priority remains making a meaningful contribution whenever he gets an opportunity to play.

“It always feels good to score goals. Whenever I get the opportunity to play, I make use of it. Whether I am coming on or starting, I always want to help the team win games. For me, it is a good feeling,” said Rayners.

His numbers underline his effectiveness in front of goal. Across his professional career, Rayners has made 236 appearances, scored 89 goals and registered 43 assists. He is now just 11 goals away from reaching the 100-goal milestone.

At Sundowns, he has scored 45 goals in 93 appearances, an impressive return that has placed him among the club’s leading scorers.

He will undoubtedly have his sights set on climbing further up the club’s all-time goalscoring charts. Daniel Mudau remains Sundowns’ record goalscorer with 110 goals, followed by Peter Shalulile on 107 and Themba Zwane with 80. Katlego Mphela and Khama Billiat are next on 50 goals each, with Rayners currently on 45.

However, the immediate focus is on navigating a tricky cup assignment against Golden Arrows, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Rayners acknowledges the difficulty of knockout football but believes Sundowns have the experience and mentality required to handle such challenges.

“Knockout games are always difficult because you don’t know what to expect from the other teams. But as a team, we know how to win games like this, especially when things become difficult,” he explained.

The forward also stressed the importance of Sundowns making their attacking opportunities count, particularly against an Arrows side that could prove difficult to break down.

“We always create a lot of opportunities against them, but we just have to make sure we punish them as early as possible. Once we score first, we know the game will open up. The most important thing is to go into this game and find victory.”

Golden Arrows will be under the guidance of Mandla Ncikazi, and Rayners expects a well-organised opponent, particularly given the way teams tend to approach matches against the reigning South African heavyweights.

“I think the coach of Golden Arrows is a good coach. Especially when teams play against Sundowns, they know how to set up. For us, we just need to do our job, be confident on the ball and work as hard as possible to win the game and get the result. That’s the most important thing – to go into the next round.”

With Sundowns chasing another cup triumph and Rayners approaching significant personal milestones, the striker has also called on the club’s supporters to turn out in numbers and get behind the team.

“Masandawana, please come out in numbers, be behind the boys, push them, and we will do it for you guys.”

For Rayners, the Golden Arrows encounter presents another opportunity to help Sundowns progress in the competition while adding to his growing goals tally. With 89 career goals already to his name and 45 in Sundowns colours, the next milestones are firmly within reach.