Rayners’ Agent Opens Up On Bafana AFCON Snub

Iqraam Rayners during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria. Photo: Gallo Images / Daniel Hlongwane

An agent of Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners has opened up about him not making the final Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Rayners has been one of the most impactful players in the PSL, with 50 goals for Sundowns in the past two and a half seasons.

However, the former Stellenbosch striker did not make the final 25-man squad that will represent South Africa at the upcoming AFCON, only named as one of the three players on standby.

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“Of course, for the player, big disappointment. I think on paper you look at the contribution that he has made towards Bafana’s success story, whether it is qualification for AFCON, qualification for World Cup, he was ever present in all those squads,” a representative at BHM Sports Agency told the Siya crew.

“He’s a player that puts up performances, results, and his data backs up him being chosen for the squad. But at the same time, I think you have a coach in place, a structure in place, you choose the best squad, and not every player can get into the squad.

“It’s the coach’s decision, in the end, you just have to respect that. Whether we think it’s right or wrong, it’s irrelevant. I’m not the coach, nor you,” the agent said, on condition of anonymity.

Rayners was released from the Bafana camp towards the end of October due to a medical condition, believed to be a ‘cardiac’ scare, and after he missed the closing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he did not train with The Brazilians for two weeks.

Upon the 29-year-old striker’s return, Masandawana head coach Miguel Cardoso told the media that he was cleared by the medical team to resume training and play, as thankfully it was a ‘minor’ issue.

The hard-running forward subsequently played without any issues for the Tshwane giants in the months of November and December, but there were assumptions that he may have been excluded from the Bafana squad in fear of the same issue recurring.

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“It could have possibly contributed, in the psychological selection of the player, but I think (in terms of) being transparent, they could have gone and told the player this, because that was not the case,” the representative responded on this matter when queried by the Siya crew.

“It could have contributed absolutely, but if he has been cleared by the club’s medical team, this shouldn’t play a role. Players have injuries, players have different medical conditions. I think the management of it could have been handled better,” the intermediary added.

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