Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners is wary of Chippa United.
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Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Iqraam Rayners says the Brazilians are well aware of the threat that Chippa United will pose in their Betway Premiership clash on Good Friday, which is why they need to do what they do best: win matches.
Sundowns will face Chippa in a catch-up game at Loftus Versfeld. A win from that match would see them return to the top of the log standings, with a two-point lead over the second-placed Orlando Pirates after 22 rounds of matches.
On paper, Sundowns are expected to cruise to victory – which would be their ninth in a row in the league – as they have hit calm waters in the title race, showing their depth and experience after winning the last nine titles in succession.
Despite their title tag, Rayners knows that Chippa won’t be easy customers. They’ve blown hot and cold in the last few months, resulting in them fighting to avoid being sucked into the relegation quagmire as they are only two points adrift of the 15th-placed Orbit College.
“It’s always going to be a difficult one because the team at the bottom is fighting for survival,” Rayners told the club’s media unit in the build-up. “They are fighting for their jobs, their lives and families. So, it won’t be an easy game. We just need to keep the momentum.
“We need to keep winning games. But we also need to take it one game at a time – that’s the most important thing.”
Sundowns will likely be without some key players as seven of their regulars, including Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, and Jayden Adams were with Bafana Bafana during the recent closed Fifa window, preparing for the World Cup.
Be that as it may, after the rest of the players returned to training following a short break in the last few days, it was all systems go as coach Miguel Cardoso already knew about their upcoming fixture during the Easter Weekend.
“I think the preparations have been going well, especially when you’ve been off for four days,” Rayners said. “When we came back on the first day, the coach already knew what was on his day.
“He told us about the upcoming game. So, the guys know what is expected of them. It’s about focusing on the next game and doing their best.”
Granted, Sundowns’ holiday was short, but it was worth it. The Brazilians have the heaviest schedule in South African football at the moment as they are juggling between domestic and continental football, bidding to win both the league title and CAF Champions League.
“Personally, I think it was a good four days off. We got to spend time with our families. It was also a good opportunity for us to be back together, and focus on our next game on Friday evening,” Rayners added.
Sundowns’ squad depth – built to compete on all fronts – will now be crucial. With Bafana coach Hugo Broos unwilling to ease the workload on his players, this is the time for the Brazilians to tap into their resources and reclaim their advantage over Pirates.