Is Hugo Broos overlooking Bafana Bafana’s most lethal tactical weapon? Former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Manqoba Mngqithi certainly thinks so. Despite a prolific season and a clean bill of health, Sundowns’ star striker Iqraam Rayners continues to find himself on the periphery of the national team—a decision Mngqithi believes must change before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off this June.
Rayners, who has been a revelation for the Brazilians, has not featured for the national side since September 2025, following a brief hiatus due to a cardiac scare that saw him withdraw from the October qualifiers.
The Case for the “Mitchells Plain Assassin”
Rayners’ statistics this season speak for themselves. Even with time sidelined for recovery, the striker has been a relentless force in front of goal:
- Club Form: 15 goals across all competitions, including 11 in the Betway Premiership, placing him firmly in the Golden Boot race.
- Peak Momentum: A devastating run in March 2026 saw him net 5 goals in just 4 matches.
- International Pedigree: 5 goals in 19 caps for Bafana Bafana.
Mngqithi: “Rayners Suits Our Identity”
Speaking on the Arrows Podcast, Mngqithi argued that Rayners offers a tactical dimension that European-based stars like Lyle Foster might not provide in certain match scenarios.
“A striker like Iqraam Rayners is still amongst the best for the type of national team and identity we need. We need his ability to play in the space behind the defense. We can be much stronger against bigger nations when we play with an Iqraam.” — Manqoba Mngqithi
Mngqithi emphasized that while players like Foster have their strengths, Rayners’ blistering pace and movement are essential for a Bafana side looking to exploit transitions on the world stage.
