Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners says he and his fellow teammates will help newly called up national team defender Zuko Mdunyelwa settle in quickly into his new surroundings.
The 26-year-old right-back earned his maiden senior international call-up by head coach Hugo Broos this week for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein.
Mdunyelwa has profited from the absence of Khuliso Mudau, who only returned to training this week after a month absence – amidst contract talks over a potential new deal at the club, while Thapelo Morena was out injured.
And he’s taken his chance with aplomb – named alongside Siwelele full-back Nyiko Mobbie, who’s been an ever-present figure in the Bafana squad since Broos took over.
“It’s a good opportunity for Zuko as a player, because he needs to stay focused when he gets there, the guys will always help him,” Rayners said.
“We’re together when we go there because we’re playing for the national team – it’s not the same as playing for Sundowns. So, we will be there to help him on the field, off the field and have fun together.”
Mdunyelwa has amassed six games out of a possible seven this season for Sundowns, only missing out on selection in the 2-0 win over Magesi last week.
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