Sundowns target top spot as Rayners braces for Chippa battle

“It’s all about focusing on our next game and doing our best,” said Rayners.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners is braced for a tough encounter against Chippa United in Friday night’s Betway Premiership clash.The Brazilians will be back under the lights at Loftus Versfeld, looking to reclaim top spot in the league standings.
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Victory would see Sundowns move to 53 points, two clear of current log leaders Orlando Pirates with eight matches remaining in the campaign. Meanwhile, Chippa sit just two points above the relegation zone.

The Chilli Boys arrive in Tshwane in poor form, having managed only one win in their last five matches that includes two draws and two defeats. Rayners is not expecting an easy ride despite being overwhelming favourites to claim all three points.

“It’s all about focusing on our next game and doing our best. And it’s always going to be a difficult one because teams at the bottom are always fighting for their jobs, fighting for their lives, and for their families at the end of the season,” he said.

“It’s not going to be an easy game but for us, we must just keep the momentum and keep winning games. We take it one game at a time and that’s the most important thing.”

Cardoso set to continue rotation policy

Despite missing seven members of their Bafana Bafana contingent during preparations, Rayners is confident Sundowns are ready for the task ahead.

“For me, I think it was a good four days off because we spent time with our families, and when we arrived back, it was a good opportunity for us to be back together and focus on our next game,” the former Stellenbosch FC forward added.

“I think our preparations went well, especially when you’ve been off for four days. When we came back on the first day, the coach already knew what was on his head. He told us the day we left for the break that we would have to play a game on Friday so the guys know what to do.”

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Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is expected to continue with his rotation policy, potentially resting some of his international players with one eye on next Tuesday’s away fixture against Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium.