Hugo Broos’ reputation for stubborn team selection was tested by his inclusion of Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners in South Africa’s squad, a move that showed the Belgian coach is willing to adjust when national interest requires it. Rayners had been a surprise omission from Broos’ final Africa Cup of Nations squad in Morocco earlier this year.
Lyle Foster produced two goals and two assists in four AFCON matches but struggled in South Africa’s 2-1 round-of-16 defeat to Cameroon. Foster was also recently relegated from the Premier League with Burnley after what the report describes as an abysmal season. Evidence Makgopa, meanwhile, was in and out of the Orlando Pirates starting lineup and finished the league campaign with six goals and four assists in 24 appearances.
By contrast, Rayners scored 12 league goals in 26 games for Sundowns. He has been in and out of the Sundowns team amid health challenges and competition from Brayan León, Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba, but retained a track record as a finisher. Brendon Fourie, the former head of recruitment at Rayners’ previous club Stellenbosch FC, told ESPN that “Iqraam Rayners is a number nine that needs to be in the box and he will get you goals.” Fourie added that Rayners is less effective when played out wide or asked to take on detailed tactical instructions.
The comparison to past Bafana forwards was also noted. Benni McCarthy remains South Africa’s all-time leading scorer with 31 goals and was famous for delivering in the penalty area despite management friction with the South African Football Association. Broos’ decision to pick Rayners implicitly acknowledged a need for more cutting edge up front than his earlier selections provided.
Broos has maintained firm stances before, including his refusal to select Thembinkosi Lorch, and has admitted in the past that overlooking Themba Zwane was a mistake. The recent addition of Rayners suggests Broos can change course when he judges national success to be at stake.
