Coach Manqoba Mngqithi urges selectors to include striker Iqraam Rayners for Bafana Bafana World Cup push in South Africa

The debate around Iqraam Rayners is growing louder again, and this time it’s not coming from fans alone.

A former coach believes the Mamelodi Sundowns forward should be firmly in the conversation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, even though he has recently been overlooked at international level.

The discussion was reignited by former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who made a strong case that Rayners’ profile fits exactly what the national team needs going forward.

At the heart of it all is a simple question: how does a striker in form get left out of a team that is still searching for consistency in attack?

From Injury Scare to Strong Club Form

Rayners’ international absence hasn’t been about form alone.

The striker last featured for South Africa national football team in September 2025, before withdrawing from a later squad after a serious health scare involving cardiac concerns.

Before that interruption, he was in sharp form for Mamelodi Sundowns FC, scoring freely and playing with confidence.

His numbers told the story—goals came consistently, and his movement in attack stood out in a team already packed with quality.

Since returning to full fitness, he has continued to find the net, including a particularly strong run in March 2026 where he scored multiple goals in just a few matches.

In domestic competition, he has also been in the Golden Boot conversation, proving that his form hasn’t dropped despite time away.

Why a Former Coach Believes He Fits Bafana Bafana Perfectly

Mngqithi’s argument is less about sentiment and more about tactical identity.

He believes Rayners offers something specific that the national team currently lacks—pace into space and direct attacking movement behind defenders.

In his view, the national team should not only pick the most in-form players but also those who fit the intended playing style. That is where Rayners becomes important.

He explained that in certain tactical setups, especially against stronger opposition, a striker who can stretch defences vertically becomes a major weapon.

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Tactical Identity and a Bigger National Team Debate

The discussion also links into a broader question surrounding how South Africa national football team wants to evolve ahead of major tournaments.

Coaches and analysts often debate whether the team should prioritise technical build-up play or more direct attacking options depending on the opponent.

Rayners represents the second option—quick transitions, runs behind defenders, and finishing in space rather than tight buildup systems.

That flexibility is why some believe he should not be ignored, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.

A Player With Numbers That Are Hard to Ignore

Even with interruptions, Rayners’ output remains strong.

He has consistently contributed goals across competitions, and his impact at club level has not gone unnoticed.

For Sundowns, he has remained an important attacking option, especially in games where movement behind defensive lines is required.

Historically, players in similar form have often forced their way back into national teams, even after periods of absence.

That precedent is now part of the discussion around him.

Impact and Consequences

The growing support for Rayners could place pressure on national team selection decisions ahead of major international fixtures.

If he is recalled, it could reshape attacking options for South Africa national football team and influence tactical planning heading into the World Cup cycle.

If he remains excluded, questions will continue around selection criteria—especially when club performance and tactical suitability appear to align in his favour.

At club level, his strong form also increases his value and influence within Mamelodi Sundowns FC, where competition for attacking places remains intense.

What’s Next?

The next squad selections will be closely watched.

If Rayners continues scoring, pressure from former coaches, analysts, and fans will likely increase.

National team coaching staff will need to balance fitness, form, tactical fit, and long-term planning as they build toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Rayners, the simplest path is also the hardest—keep scoring and stay available.

Summary

Iqraam Rayners has returned to strong club form after a health setback, and former coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes he deserves a place in the national team setup.

While currently overlooked by Bafana Bafana, his playing style and recent performances keep him firmly in the World Cup conversation.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Iqraam Rayners is in strong club form for Mamelodi Sundowns
• He last played for South Africa national football team in September 2025
• A cardiac scare caused him to withdraw from a later national squad
• Former coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes he fits the national team system
• His key strength is pace and attacking movement behind defences
• He remains a strong goal contributor at club level despite setbacks
• Debate continues over selection criteria for the 2026 World Cup squad
• His inclusion or exclusion could influence Bafana Bafana’s attacking strategy going forward