Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has revealed how he intends to use Iqraam Rayners this season if he’s going to be man-marked by opposition defenders.
Last season after returning to the Stellies, Rayners was a nightmare for defenders and goalkeepers.
In 14 matches in all competitions, the Bafana Bafana international scored 15 goals and provided three assists.
On their league opener against Orlando Pirates over the weekend, the 29-year-old was a target by the opposition defence. Particularly Nkosinathi Sibisi was not allowing him space and movement.
STEVE BARKER ON IQRAAM RAYNERS IF HE’S A TARGET BY DEFENDERS
According to Barker, if all teams adopt Pirates tactic against Rayners, he will use him as a decoy in the attack.
“If I were opposition teams, I would do that [man-mark Iqraam Rayners] because he’s dangerous. He knows where the goal is if given a bit of time and space,” said Barker.
“Last season, he came back and was a bit of an unknown quantity and had a good run. It won’t be easy [this season].
“So if that’s the case, we can use him as a decoy if they are going to be tight on him. He does create space for others for a player like Antonio Van Wyk to get on the scoresheet.”
STEVE BARKER ON STELLENBOSCH FC’S DEPTH IN ATTACK
Despite losing talisman Junior Mendieta to reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Barker believes they have a good attack [a mixture of youth and experience] who can help the team score goals.
“I think in attack, we got a lot of different options and variety. Part of our strategy going forward is to have that momentum going into matches to bring in fresh legs.
“Devin [Titus] scored seven goals last season, we’ve brought in KG [Kgaogelo Sekgota], two foreigners [Salifu Colley and Anicet Oura], young Thulani Mani and Andre de Jong who didn’t start,” he added.
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