Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has explained why he believes his red-hot striker Iqraam Rayners is underestimated and doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Rayners reunited with the Stellies in the January transfer window from SuperSport United, where he spent three seasons.
His tenure at the club was unsuccessful as he struggled for game time and for goals. In 58 appearances, he scored five goals and provided 11 assists.
Since returning to the Cape Winelands, Rayners has been in incredible form, finding his scoring boots again.
The 27-year-old has been a nightmare for DStv Premiership defenders, netting 11 times and providing two assists in nine matches in all competitions.
For his impressive performances, he was named Player of the Month for February/March.
And on Saturday, 15 April, he ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ undefeated streak of 37 games after scoring a brace in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final to hand his side a 2-1 victory.
BARKER ON RAYNERS’ PERFORMANCES
“I think people underestimate him, he’s not given enough credit. He [Iqraam Rayners] is a goalscorer, he showed us before and helped us get promoted,” Barker told MSW.
“He’s on 47 goals in less than 90 matches, that’s almost two goals in every match which is remarkable. Hopefully, this season he can get to the 50 mark which will be an amazing thing.
“We started the season a lot more possession based and found some difficulties in scoring goals. When he joined us we adjusted our style, I think he’s been the turn around of our season.”
WHAT RAYNERS HAS IMPROVED ON
Barker went on to state the areas Rayners has improved on. The coach also believes moving to SuperSport helped the striker grow as a player.
“He returned a mature player from SuperSport,” declared Barker.
“Tactically his game improved, his first touch is a lot better, his decision-making is a lot better, and he has become a leader in the field. He’s a lot spontaneous off the field with his teammates.
“He’s the type of player you want to play into space. He creates a situation whereby he gets one-on-one situations and opportunities. If you have a striker like Rayners, you must play to his strength,” he added.
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