Red-hot Iqraam Rayners shines as Mamelodi Sundowns cruise past Richards Bay to book spot in MTN8 semi-finals

Mamelodi Sundowns wasted no time getting on the scoresheet - Marcelo Allende whipped in a corner and somehow it made its way to Iqraam Rayners at the back post, who nodded it in after 10 minutes of action. 

Then, just before the break, things went from bad to worse for Richards Bay when their captain, Simphiwe Mcineka, tried to clear a low ball from Teboho Mokoena but ended up turning it into his own net. 

Right after the break, the Natal Rich Boys made two changes, hoping to turn things around. But the Brazilians kept control early in the second half, and in the 53rd minute, Rayners doubled his tally to put Sundowns three goals up.

In the 75th minute, substitute Siyabonga Mabena got in on the action, firing home to make it 4-0 and seal the deal to send Sundowns into the MTN8 semi-final round.

Rayners picked up right where he left off, showing calm and clinical finishing to bag two goals and kick off the 2025/26 season on the right track.  

Richards Bay struggled throughout the match and a costly own goal by captain Simphiwe Mcineka just before halftime handed Sundowns a 2-0 lead going into the break.  

The Brazilians now shift their focus to the start of the Premier Soccer League, where they’ll kick off their campaign with an away clash against Chippa United in Gqeberha on Saturday, 9 August, while Richards Bay take on Marumo Gallants on the same day.