Relief for Mamelodi Sundowns! Iqraam Rayners back in training after cardiac scare that saw him miss Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The SAFJA Men’s Footballer of the Year has been instrumental for Mamelodi Sundowns, netting six goals in eight league games to share the top scorer spot alongside Sekhukhune United’s Bradley Grobler and Golden Arrows’ Junior Dion.  

Although the Chloorkop outfit boasts plenty of options in the striking department — as their recent 5–1 CAF Champions League triumph over Remo Stars demonstrated — the absence of Rayners would have been deeply felt.  

It comes as a relief that he remains part of the team’s plans and can continue competing at the professional level.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso took a moment on Thursday morning to brief the media on the status of Sundowns’ squad, including updates on former Stellenbosch striker, as well as injuries to Themba Zwane and Mothobi Mvala.  

"As you know, Rayners came from the national team. Thank God for his biology and physiology, we were able to see that, and with the effort of the doctors and the exams he did," Cardoso told the media.  

"There is no issue in terms of cardiac questions that will take him out of his career, because in this kind of situation, everybody stays afraid.  

“No, thank God, no. It’s a minor thing that you also need to give him some time; he’s now starting to train with the team. So he was two weeks absolutely without training, but he started yesterday and today he trained already, integrating in the team, and he made all the training sessions.  

“So we should expect Iqraam to now get on his condition and be available again for the team. And I think that I’m not forgetting anyone,” he added.   

Cardoso went on to shed more light on the recovery and progress of Themba Zwane.

"Then we have Themba on his recovery process, and it is not something that will be finished in one week, but we also don’t expect it to take long. But we need to be careful.

"He is a very important asset, and like everybody, it is a question of a human being, and we need to bring him up in the best condition for him to be available for us," he said.

The Tshwane outfit is eager to settle unfinished business with Remo Stars when they host the Nigerian side on their home turf this Sunday afternoon and will be looking to maintain their attacking momentum while keeping a close eye on defensive solidity. With the quest for a second star still very much alive, the Brazilians know that consistency and clinical finishing will be key if they are to continue their strong run both domestically and on the continental stage.