IQRAAM RAYNERS WON’T LET BAFANA CALL-UP DERAIL NEDBANK CUP FOCUS

Iqraam Rayners was pleased to be called up for Bafana but admits his current focus is on helping Stellenbosch to progress in the Nedbank Cup.

The 28-year-old has five South African national team caps from his participation in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, where he helped his side to a third-placed finish.

This will, however, be his first time with the main squad, having been on standby for the recently completed Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana are in friendly action against Andorra and Algeria this month, but before then, Stellies face giant-killers Milford in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 on Friday, having already seen off Pretoria Callies in the first round.

Rayners said on iDiski Times: “I just want to try my best on Friday night in trying to help the team going to the next round.

“And ja, then I can focus on the Bafana Bafana game the Sunday.”

Rayners added: “Ja, and I am happy to be there now. So I’ll keep on focusing, keep on doing the best first by my team and then focus on the national team.”

On missing out on AFCON, the speedy player explained: “Ja, I was disappointed a bit, but what can I do, I keep on pushing, keep on doing my best by my team first and then whatever happens, it’s a good opportunity for me.”