Rayners prepares for challenging reunion with Stellenbosch FC

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners anticipates a tough battle when his team faces his former club, Stellenbosch FC, at Athlone Stadium this Saturday in the Betway Premiership.

The game will be played at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town with kickoff set for 3 PM (SA time).

The Brazilians gear up for next our #BetwayPrem clash in the Mother City! 🔥

⚽️ Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns
🏆 Betway Premiership
📆 30 August
⏰ 15H00
🏟️ Athlone Stadium
📺 SS 202#Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/qjG6XEboBV

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 29, 2025

Despite an uncharacteristic start to the season, Sundowns are still undefeated in the league, currently sitting in third place with two wins and two draws. Their recent form includes a goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs and an MTN8 semi-final exit at the hands of Orlando Pirates.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC enters the match with renewed confidence. They recently secured their first league win of the season, a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, and have booked their spot in a second consecutive MTN8 final after beating Sekhukhune United.

Rayners, who has been in exceptional form with four goals in six games across all competitions in the new season, expects a hungry and motivated Stellenbosch side.

“I think Stellenbosch have a lot of confidence,” Rayners said. “They are in the cup final, and they also won their last game. It will be a tough one because they still have the fight and hunger to win, but we’re up for anything that comes our way.”

The Bafana Bafana striker, who has scored 28 goals and provided nine assists in 52 games for Sundowns since his move from Stellenbosch in August 2024, emphasised the need for focus and discipline from his team.

“For us, we need to stay focused and disciplined, and we need to get a result,” he said. “I think for us to get a result, it will be difficult. We need to keep pushing and be together on the field. If we can kill the game in the first half, I know it will be difficult for them to come back.”

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