Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners on missing out on Bafana Bafana: It was good time to spend with family and also prepare for the Chippa match

Iqraam Rayners does not seem to be bothered by his omission from the Bafana Bafana which played Panama in the just ended Fifa break.

While calls for him to be in the national team have been gaining momentum, the former Santos and Stellenbosch FC striker sounded oblivious about those voices.

These calls are buoyed by the fact that Rayners is second highest top goalscorer in the PSL with 10 goals behind Golden Arrows' Junior Dion, who has two more than him.

Instead, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker said the Fifa break was a blessing in disguise for him as he spent time with his family.

“For me, it was a good four days off because we had to spend time with our families,” said Rayners

“When we arrived back, it was a good opportunity for us to be back together and focus on our game on Friday evening.”

“The preparations are going on well, especially when you have been off for four days and come back on the first day, the coach tells you what is on his mind.

“The day we left for the four-day break, he told us that we will have to play a game on Friday, so the guys know what to do and what they are up to. So, it’s all about focusing on the next game and do our best.”

This evening Rayners and his Sundowns team-mates face bottom half placed side in Chippa United at Loftus Versveld for a Betway Premiership clash.

Rayners said it will not be an easy game as they aim to move above Orlando Pirates who have a point more than them.

“It’s always going to be a difficult one because teams at the bottom—since we are coming to the end of the season—are always fighting for their jobs, fighting for their lives, and fighting for their families,” said Rayners.

“So, it is not going to be an easy game, but for us, it’s also about keeping the momentum and winning games. We take it one game at a time; that’s the most important thing.”

The game starts at 7.30pm.