Rayners shines as Sundowns push toward eighth league crown

Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a major step toward claiming their eighth consecutive DStv Premiership title, following a 2-0 away victory over Cape Town City on Saturday. The Pretoria-based club now needs just seven points from their remaining four fixtures to secure the league crown once again.

Meanwhile, second-placed Orlando Pirates kept their slim title hopes alive with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at a packed FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Well done @Masandawana. 2 more wins gives us our 8th league title in a row. ?? pic.twitter.com/QSvx9XK3k3

— Sundowns Online Branch (@MSFC__) May 3, 2025

At Cape Town Stadium, Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring for Sundowns in the 34th minute, calmly finishing off a well-timed pass from Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners.

Rayners later turned scorer in the 77th minute, slotting in from close range after a clever assist by Brazilian teammate Arthur Sales. The goal marked Rayners’ 11th of the league campaign, two behind Sundowns’ top scorer Lucas Ribeiro.

“Both goals were beautiful,” said Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso. “I am proud to coach this humble, hard-working squad.”

Despite a demanding fixture schedule, Sundowns looked sharp and dominant throughout the match. Their title charge now continues with four more domestic league games before they shift focus to the CAF Champions League final against Egyptian giants Pyramids on May 24 in Pretoria. The return leg takes place in Cairo on June 1.

After that, Sundowns will turn their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where they’ve been drawn in Group F alongside Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, and Ulsan Hyundai.

In Saturday’s Soweto derby, Makabi Lilepo gave Kaizer Chiefs a dream start with a second-minute strike. But Pirates responded well, with Evidence Makgopa equalising in the 24th minute after slipping a shot through Bruce Bvuma’s legs.

Relebohile Mofokeng scored the winner in the 69th minute, firing home a loose ball in a match frequently halted by fouls and injuries.

The two Soweto giants are set to clash again next weekend in the Nedbank Cup final in Durban.

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Sourced:African Insider

Picture: Mamelodi Sundowns