Stellenbosch FC will have to do without their talisman Iqraam Rayners when they face SuperSport United in a DStv Premiership match on Tuesday evening.
Stellies and Matsatsantsa lock horns at the TUT Stadium on Tuesday at 7:30pm. The Capetonians have been in sensational form in their past league matches, recording back-to-back wins against Swallows FC and Golden Arrows.
The Winelands outfit and SuperSport lay sixth and third, respectively, on the log with 36 and 47 points from 27 matches. They will be aiming to cement their top eight spot, while the Tshwane side are pushing to seal the second spot. They are two points behind Orlando Pirates.
Rayners has been on top of his game after reuniting with the Steve Barker-coached side during the January transfer window from SuperSport United on a permanent basis.
In 11 matches in all competitions, he has scored 15 goals and provided three assists. For his hard work on the field, he was named the DStv Premiership Player of the Month for February/March.
With nine goals in the league, he has entered the race for the Golden Boot. He is just two goals behind Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile, who has scored 11 goals in the league.
To add, he’s the joint top scorer in the Nedbank Cup with Kgomotso Mosadi of Casric Stars.
WHY RAYNERS WON’T BE AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION AGAINST SUPERSPORT
However, Rayners will not play against his former side as it’s part of the deal.
“I only have three games left [two in the league and one in the Nedbank Cup] because I can’t play against SuperSport United, even though I signed permanently for Stellies,” Rayners told Radio 2000.
“That was part of the deal, and no hard feelings.”
STEVE BARKER ON RAYNERS’ ABSENCE
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker views Rayners’ absence as a blessing in disguise. Other players will get a chance to play, and he can get some rest.
“I think it provides an opportunity for others to get an opportunity in the [Nedbank Cup] semi-finals,” said Barker.
“It’s probably not the worst thing that he gets some rest and recovery. He will be available for our Sunday fixture against Sekhukhune United.”
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