Iqraam Rayners closes in on PSL century after matching Bernard Parker’s tally

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners moved closer to the PSL’s 100-goal mark after scoring twice in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC.

The brace took the 30-year-old to 86 goals across all competitions for a South African top-flight club, drawing him level with former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker.

Parker, who is now retired, scored most of his goals during an 11-year spell with Kaizer Chiefs and is unable to add to his total.

Rayners must now overtake Katlego ‘Mahoota’ Mashego, who has 88 goals, before reaching the totals of Wilfred Mugeyi and Lehlohonolo Majoro, both on 91. Khama Billiat is next on 97.

Billiat is the only one of those players still active, although he is currently back in Zimbabwe with Scottland FC.

Rayners’ progress towards 100 has been slowed by the fact that goals scored in lower divisions are not included in the PSL all-time list. He scored 19 times for Stellenbosch in the 2018/19 season, finishing as the Motsepe Foundation Championship’s leading scorer.

His goals for Santos, scored while the club competed in the second tier, are also excluded from the tally.

Only seven players have reached three figures for a South African top-flight club since the PSL began in August 1996.

Peter Shalulile leads the standings with 134 goals, followed by Bradley Grobler on 130 and Siyabonga Nomvethe on 129. Daniel Mudau and Mabhudi Khenyeza have each scored 110, while Manuel ‘Tico-Tico’ Bucuane has 104 and Collins Mbesuma 103.

Grobler is the only other player from that group still playing. He turns 39 in January and joined Stellenbosch at the beginning of the season.

The PSL all-time scorers’ list counts goals scored in all official competitions by players representing a top-flight club.