Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners has been ruled out of Bafana Bafana’s crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
South Africa face the Warriors at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday before hosting Amavubi at Mbombela Stadium four days later in these Group C ties. They are must-wins for Bafana who now find themselves second on the table after world football governing body FIFA docked them three points for illegally fielding suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.
Benin lead the standings and have 14 points, the same as South Africa who, however, have an inferior goal difference. Hugo Broos’ side has now been dealt a big blow with Rayners leaving “camp due to medical reasons.”
Making it a major setback for Bafana going into such crucial matches is that Rayners is the most prolific striker in Broos’ squad. The Sundowns attacker has scored nine goals in 12 across all competitions this season.
He has one goal in these World Cup qualifiers, as Jayden Adams, Lyle Foster and Thapelo Morena are the only players to score better than him with a goal each.
WHO IS THE PIRATES STRIKER REPLACING RAYNERS?
SAFA have confirmed that Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa will step in for Rayners who participated in Monday’s training session with the national side.
“Iqraam Rayners has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana camp due to medical reasons. He was released back to his club this morning. Evidence Makgopa has been called up as his replacement,” said SAFA in a statement.
Makgopa is one of the most trusted players by Broos, even when he struggles for form at his club. The Buccaneers man has managed just a goal in 11 matches in all competitions this season, while providing three assists.
He arrives in Bafana camp fresh from missing a penalty during last Saturday’s Carling Knockout Round of 16 clash with Siwelele FC, but would want to put that behind him to help South Africa return to the World Cup.
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