Iqraam Rayners has been in sensational form in 2024, racking up an impressive 24 goals across all competitions, more than any other player in South Africa's top flight.
His tally includes 11 goals for Stellenbosch FC and 13 goals for Mamelodi Sundowns, proving that his recent move to the Brazilians has paid off in a big way.
The 28-year-old forward is not only repaying the hefty transfer fee Sundowns paid for him, but he is also becoming the club's hero under the guidance of new head coach Miguel Cardoso.
Rayners' rise to prominence has been anything but straightforward. His first stint in Gauteng, with SuperSport United, was a tough one. The forward spent two-and-a-half seasons with SuperSport but struggled to make the kind of impact he had hoped for in a highly competitive environment.
Despite flashes of promise, his time at SuperSport was marked by inconsistency, and he ultimately returned to Stellenbosch FC, where he rediscovered his prolific form.
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At Stellenbosch, Rayners' goalscoring ability blossomed once again, attracting the attention of Sundowns. His return to his lethal best prompted Sundowns to break the bank and secure his services, and it didn't take long for the striker to show his worth at his new club.
Since joining Sundowns, Rayners has seamlessly integrated into the star-studded squad. His ability to find the back of the net with regularity has been crucial to Sundowns' successes, particularly in their recent matches. Under Cardoso, Sundowns have won their last three games by narrow 1-0 scorelines, with Rayners scoring the only goal in each of those matches. His goals have been crucial in keeping the club on top of their game in both domestic and continental competitions.
Rayners' success is not just about the numbers; it's his style of play that has made him a perfect fit for Sundowns.
He combines excellent movement off the ball, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing, all of which have made him a constant threat in the final third. His natural ability to score goals has made him a key player for Sundowns, as they chase the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League titles this season.
With 24 goals already this year, Rayners is one of the most feared strikers in South African football, and his form shows no sign of slowing down. His ability to score in a variety of ways – whether through clinical finishes inside the box or long-range efforts – makes him a versatile forward capable of delivering in any situation.
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