Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ WON’T BE EASY – SA SUNDOWNS STAR

‘BIRDS’ WON’T BE EASY – SA SUNDOWNS STAR
================================================================================
Sanele Jele on 19/09/2024 07:48:00


MBABANE – Despite cruising to a 4-0 victory over Mbabane Swallows, Mamelodi
Sundowns players are still respecting Mbabane Swallows.
Sundowns deadly striker Iqraam Rayners, who netted the opening goal against
SuperSport United during the Betway Premiership opening match played at Loftus
Versfeld Stadium, two days ago, highlighted that the opponents were not
pushovers. Sundowns secured a 2-0 win, propelling them to the top of the league
standings by surpassing Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference. Lucas Ribeiro also
etched his name on the scoresheet after scoring the second goal. In a post-match
interview, Rayners, who joined the squad from Stellenbosch, conveyed their
anticipation for a difficult match against Swallows. The two teams will go
head-to-head at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the second leg of the Confederation of
African Football (CAF) Champions League second preliminary round, on Saturday. 
In the first leg, the 2016 CAF Champions League winners triumphed with an
emphatic 4-0 victory, with Rayners also contributing to the score.
Delighted
“The first-half against SuperSport was a bit challenging for us. We struggled
to find the net despite playing well. I’m delighted to have scored two goals
in two matches; it’s been a commendable performance for me, and the supporters
inspire us to excel,” he remarked.When queried about the upcoming clash with
Swallows, he stated, “They won’t make it easy for us following our victory
in the first leg, but we are determined to come away with a win this weekend.”
Rayners scored the third goal against Swallows in the 40th minute.
Also finding the net in the first leg was Ribeiro, who netted a brace—scoring
a penalty in the third minute and completing his brace in the 53rd minute. Mosa
Lebusa added the second goal in the 17th minute. The winner on aggregate between
the two sides will advance to the group stages of the continental tournament.
Teams that progress to this stage are also guaranteed a E12.3 million. While
Sundowns appear sharp ahead of this CAF clash, the Caleb Ngwenya-led side had to
cancel their MTN Premier League encounter against Ezulwini United.