By Michael Madyira
Stellenbosch forward Iqraam Rayners struck an awe-inspiring five goals as his side ran over Polokwane City 5-0 in a Premier Soccer League match at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
The 28-year-old first found the back of the net in the 17th minute before returning to pump in four second-half goals on 65, 75, 79 and 82 minutes.
It was a record-equalling feat for Rayners who followed in the footsteps of James Chamanga who became the first PSL player to manage five goals in a single match.
The retired Zambian striker struck five times to help Moroka Swallows hammer Platinum Stars 6-2 on 9 December 2007.
After Saturday’s exploits, Rayners leapt to the top of the PSL scorers chart with 13 goals and two clear of Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is already tipping his striker as a strong contender for the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
“What can one say? I thought it was five special goals,” said Barker after the match.
“Every goal was from a well-thought-out, well-struck or composed and quality finish.
“He is definitely playing himself into Player of the Season contention and he showed his qualities again as a goalscorer. He’s a natural goalscorer.”
After making a return to the Bafana Bafana fold in March, Rayners has positioned himself to be considered for June’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
“He’s always had that in him,” Barker added.
“But coming back from his recent Bafana call-up, his game has gone to an even higher level, especially with his link-up play which has improved a lot, and he’s scoring goals.”
Rayners’ goals helped Stellenbosch maintain their position as number two on the PSL table.
Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane is enduring what could be the worst patch of form in his coaching career after succumbing to another humiliating defeat on Saturday.
His Saudi Pro League side Abha Club was thumped 4-0 away at equally struggling Al Akhdoud to remain 17th in the 18-team league.
The decorated coach has now guided Abha to conceding 18 goals in their last four games while scoring just once and they have the league’s worst goal difference of -47.
With five games remaining before the end of the campaign, that has complicated their fight against relegation.
Pictured above: Stellenbosch forward Iqraam Rayners dribbles past Polokwane City players.
Image source: Stellenbosch
