A defining feature of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership campaign is how Philippe Clement’s players have shared the goals around thus far.
Heading into Christmas Day, there are two Rangers players sitting in the top three in the Golden Boot race. Vaclav Cerny scored the winner against Dundee on Saturday, taking his tally to seven.
Cyriel Dessers has six. And, in the absence of a prolific number nine such as an Alfredo Morelos or a Kris Boyd, Danilo, Tom Lawrence, Nedim Bajrami, James Tavernier and Hamza Igamane have chipped in helpfully.
Things could hardly be more different over at South African outfit Mamelodi Sundowns, however.
Iqraam Rayners took his tally to 13 goals in 17 games when he scored the winner in the 1-0 win over Amazulu on Christmas Eve. Rayners is now six clear of his closest challenger at the top of the Mamelodi scoring charts.
This, meanwhile, was the late-blooming centre-forward’s second winning goal in a matter of days. Last week, Rayners came back to haunt old employers Stellenbosch. While Rangers have shared the load, Rayners is carrying his team on his back.
Iqraam Rayners hits another winner amid Rangers links
This latest act of heroism, meanwhile, was a little more dramatic than his previoys attempts. Lashing home the only goal of the game with 90 minutes on the clock, Rayners’ ever-growing confidence was clear to see once again as he fired his new club three points clear at the top of the table.
Rangers have been linked with a move for Iqraam Rayners this month. In fact, recent reports from South Africa suggest that Rangers are offering £2.4 million to bring the South Africa international to Ibrox.
Now, as things stand, these reports remain shrouded in a cloak of mystery. They are yet to be corroborated over in Scotland. And while a new striker may be required with St Etienne showing an interest in Cyriel Dessers, it would be a bit of an odd move to bring in a 29-year-old to replace a man who only recently turned 30.
Yet, Rayners’ record speaks for itself.
Rayners became only the second player in South African history to score five goals in a single match when he single-handedly destroyed Polokwane City while wearing Stellenbosch’s shirt in the spring. Five emphatic but very different finishes; off both feet and from all ranges and angles.
Ibrox linked South Africa star is ‘an excellent finisher’
“Iqraam’s on a great run of form,” awe-struck Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker told IOL at full-time. “He is a quality footballer and an excellent finisher, and you could see that
“What can one say? They were five special goals. Every goal was from a well-thought-out, well-struck or composed and quality finish.
“He showed his qualities again as a goalscorer.”
Soccer Laduma claim that, even if Rangers do come forward with a bid in excess of £2 million, the Mamelodi Sundowns will be in no rush to accept. Not with a title in their sights. And not after they tied Rayners down while signing him as recently as last summer.
Rangers travel to St Mirren on Boxing Day, meanwhile, with options to choose from in the final third.
Philippe Clement is delighted to have Danilo and Ianis Hagi back available, while Ross McCausland has also returned from injury.
