Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker feels Iqraam Rayners and Junior Mendieta have both put their hands up to be in the discussion for Footballer of the Season.
Rayners has been in sublime form since his return to the club on January deadline day from SuperSport United, netting 15 goals and registering three assists in 11 games, while he had five assists during the first half of the season with Matsantsansa.
Meanwhile, Mendieta has been a talismanic figure for the Cape Winelands outfit and is the leading creator in the league with eight assists.
Overall, the Argentine has directly contributed to 18 goals (nine goals, nine assists) in 29 games across all competitions for the Nedbank Cup semi-finalists.
“It’s difficult to answer before the final two fixtures but I would like to say that I would hope people like Iqraam Rayners and Junior Mendieta start being part of the conversation,” Barker said when asked about the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season honour.
“I don’t necessarily feel they should win it, Sundowns, the way they’ve played should be in there, but the amount of goals and assists Rayners and Mendieta have, they should get some recognition.
“And also Young Player of the Season – I would be very disappointed if we didn’t have some nominees for that.
“We finished the game with six players under the age of 22 and the future looks good for the club. The challenge is always to maintain this, maintain the squad going forward.”
The Stellies attacking duo will have another chance to state their case on Sunday at Danie Craven Stadium when they face Sekhukhune United for a place in the domestic cup final, which could secure a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
