Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his delight at having three contrasting striking options at his disposal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the recall of Iqraam Rayners to the national squad alongside Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster.
Rayners’ return to the fold comes after a difficult spell that kept him away from the national setup. Broos acknowledged the challenges the Mamelodi Sundowns striker had to navigate before forcing his way back into contention.
The 30-year-old was not part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad, which drew plenty of question marks at the time, without the public knowledge of the issues behind the scenes, but he enjoyed another exceptional season with Sundowns who won the CAF Champions League, for the first time in a decade.
“Rayners was out of the team because of his health problems, then he had some difficulties, he had to play [at Sundowns] but in the games he played, he scored, so with Rayners, he’s able to score and a different two than the other two strikers,” Broos said when asked by iDiski Times about his recall.
The Belgian coach is clearly energised by the variety his forward line now offers. Where Foster brings physicality and hold-up play, and Makgopa offers aerial presence and ability to tire out defences with his relentless running, Rayners provides an entirely different dimension — pace and a predatory instinct in front of goal.
The Sundowns striker has scored four goals in 14 senior international appearances, and 40 goals, with 12 assists in 82 games since joining the club from Stellenbosch in 2024.
“You have Foster, you have Makgopa, the taller guy, then you have Rayners, he’s fast, really one who has the smell of the goals,” Broos explained.
“So we have options now — depending the functions of the opponents, we will make decisions, Foster, Makgopa or Rayners.”
For Broos, the value of Rayners extends beyond just his starting potential. The Sundowns striker gives Bafana a genuine tactical weapon off the bench, someone who can change the complexion of a game with his movement and nose for goal when opponents are tiring.
“And also during games, if we have to change something, we have another type of player and that’s why I wanted him with the team,” the coach added.
South Africa take on Jamaica in their final preperation fixture, before next Thursday’s opener of the global showpiece against hosts, Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.