Rayners' brace inspires Stellenbosch to victory over Richards Bay

Stellenbosch FC returned to winning ways in the DStv Premiership this week following their 2-1 win over Richards Bay FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday night.

After a slow start to the season, Iqraam Rayners resurrected his goal scoring confidence with an impressive brace against the Natal Rich Boyz.

Stellenbosch saw most of the ball during the opening exchanges of the match and took the game to the visiting side as a result of their early pressure. Stellies looked particularly comfortable when playing the ball out from the back, while Richards Bay resisted the temptation to press high up the pitch.

The Natal Rich Boys did not hold back and grew in confidence as the 20th minute approached. In replying with swift passing moves of their own, Richards Bay returned the pressure and asked questions of their own.

However, it was Stellies who broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, as Rayners produced the goods for his side yet again. After being played through on goal by Devin Titus, Rayners made no mistake inside the Richards Bay 18-yard-area and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Richards Bay searched for an equaliser soon after conceding and troubled the hosts with slick passing in the middle of the park. With it being Stellenbosch’s turn to play under the cosh, Richards Bay ended the first-half on a strong note.

Following a bright start to the second-half, the Natal Rich Boyz were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute as the referee spotted an infringement inside the 18-yard-area. In stepping up to the spot, Boikanyo Komane converted the spot kick to give his side a crucial equaliser.

Stellenbosch responded just six minutes later as Rayners showcased his striker’s instincts yet again. After a defensive splitting pass inside the final third, Rayners then received the ball with his back facing the goal before finding the back of the net on the turn.

The travelling outfit created numerous goal scoring opportunities after Rayners’ second effort, only to be denied by goalkeeper Sage Stephens, who kept his side in the game on a couple of occasions.

Kicking into game-management mode, Stellenbosch often starved Richards Bay of the ball, which ultimately neutralized the visitors’ attacking threats. Nonetheless, Stellenbosch held on to secure a 2-1 win at the vibrant Danie Craven Stadium.

Stellenbosch FC: (1) 2 (Rayners 28’, 58’)
Richards Bay: (0) 1 (Komane 52’)

Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, van Rooyen, Moloisane, Toure, Basadien, Adams, Matsheke, Sekgota (Oura 63’), Titus (Jurgens 80’), Rayners, Mgaga (Palace 71’)

Richards Bay: Mabokgwane, Mabua (Mabuya 45’), Mcineka, Mthethwa, Dlamini, Komane, Gumede (Mohlamme 78’), Mhlongo, Mohomi (Ntsundwana 61’), Barns, Mngomezulu (Mbuthuma 24’)