CAPE TOWN – Mamelodi Sundowns will be aiming to reignite their title charge when the defending Betway Premiership champions face Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
Striker Iqraam Rayners has acknowledged that coming up against his former club, will not be an easy task, as he expects a highly competitive encounter.
The 29-year-old has expressed caution over Stellenbosch attacking threat but has urged his teammates to remain fully focused and disciplined throughout the match to stand a chance of securing a positive result.
“Stellenbosch have a lot of confidence, they’re in the cup final [MTN8] – and they won their last game,” said former Stellies forward.
“It’s going to be a tough one because they still have the fight, they still have the hunger to win, but we’re up for anything that comes our way.
“But first, we also need to stay focused, disciplined, and we need to get the result. That’s important for us as a team.”
Miguel Cardoso’s side spent their Friday training at Ikamva, the home of Cape Town Spurs, while Rayners emphasized that Sundowns must keep pushing if they want to secure results against Stellenbosch.
“I think for us to get the result tomorrow [Saturday], especially since it’s going to be a difficult one, but we need to keep on pushing,” he said.
“We need to be together on the field, we need to do our utmost best to win the game.
“Especially if we can kill the game in the first half, I know it will be difficult for them to come back.”
Sundowns have endured a slow start to the league, managing just three games without finding top form.
The Tshwane-based side sits third on the log with eight points, and Rayners believes their supporters will be crucial in driving them forward at Athlone Stadium.
“For all the Masandawana supporters, please come and support us,” add Rayners.
“We need you guys behind us, sing for us and do your best.”
Image: @Masandawana/Twitter.
