Supersport forward Iqraam Rayners is under no illusions about what to expect from his former team when he returns to Danie Craven on Friday.
Supersport will take the 1500 km trip to Stellenbosch rejuvenated after two weeks of rest and looking to resume the league with a win. And Rayners believes the hard work put in by the team on the training grounds will pay off despite Stellenbosch’s stable displays recently.
“This is not going to be an easy encounter looking at the home side’s fighting spirit and never say die attitude,” he told the club press.
“We should approach this match with the right mindset, and we know we should do it as a team, but I’m confident in everyone who is going to be on the pitch on the day we play Stellenbosch.
“They are dangerous on the counter-attack with the front three, but our defence knows what to do because we have been working on the game-plan.
“I’m happy about the confidence, and we know what to expect and what to do on the day.”
Rayners, who bagged 35 goals in 76 matches for Stellenbosch, joined Supersport in the summer. He clocked his first full ninety minutes for the Matsatsantsa in the 0-0 draw against TS Galaxy, following a return from a spell on the sidelines.
“I think I rejoined the team at the right time, and it was not easy for me to stay out for over a month.
“The team looks hungry, and we must collect maximum points in the remaining matches, but we take it one game at a time.”
Supersport has dropped down to fourth in the table after a shaky patch of three draws and one loss in the last five matches. Should the Matsatsantsa snatch the three points on Friday, however, they will likely return to the top 3.
In the meantime, Rayners will be relishing the opportunity to score against his former club in a bid to secure a more regular spot in Kaitano Tembo’s first team sheet.
The match is scheduled to begin at 3 pm.