Iqraam Rayners: What Miguel Cardoso told Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns star striker Iqraam Rayner has disclosed coach Miguel Cardoso’s instructions that helped them thrash Richards Bay 4-0 on Sunday.

The comprehensive win in the MTN8 quarter final saw the Betway Premiership champions through to the semifinals.

The former Stellenbosch FC attacker emerged from Lucas Moripe Stadium with a man-of-the match award after scoring twice—one goal in either half. Simphiwe Mcineka’s own goal and substitute Siyabonga Mabena’s strike sealed Sundowns’ semifinal spot.

In a pitch-side post-match interview with SuperSport Television, the Bafana Bafana forward said the coach made it clear to the players that they needed to kill off the game as soon as possible.

“We started the game well. It was a big opportunity for us to start and work together. It was all about team effort. The coach said to us we needed to kill off the game in the first half and play with intensity,” Rayners said.

In a separate interview, Cardoso echoed the striker’s remarks, saying starting the game strongly and team-awork were key to the victory.

“It was important to start strongly. I think the team understood the message. They started strongly. It was all about managing motivation and the conditions. It was an interesting game for the people in the stands,” he said.

Sundowns joined holders Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United in the last-four.