Tso backs Rayners to keep Bafana Bafana starting role

iDiski TV analyst Benedict Tso Vilakazi believes Iqraam Rayners should remain in the Bafana Bafana starting line-up ahead of Yanela Mbuthuma, despite the latter’s decisive contribution in the 2-1 victory over Guinea.

Mbuthuma came on for Rayners in the 68th minute of the 2027 AFCON qualifying match and later provided the assist for the winning goal. The result gave Bafana Bafana pole position in Group D with three points.

Rayners started the group opener but was unable to score before being replaced by the Orlando Pirates forward. Despite Mbuthuma’s impact from the bench, Tso says South Africa should continue with the Mamelodi Sundowns forward from the outset.

The analyst praised Mbuthuma’s performance but argued that Bafana Bafana have limited alternatives in attack. He also stressed that the team will need both forwards as the qualifying schedule continues.

“I will go with Rayners again because remember it’s not about only this game,” Tso said on IDiski TV.

“There’s another game on Wednesday. There’s another game again on the weekend and there is not only these three games.”

Tso believes retaining Rayners in the starting line-up could also encourage stronger competition between the two forwards.

“We are still going to need Rayners we don’t have another one. So we want to make sure that Rayners comes at his best, compete, also Mbuthuma rise up to say Rayners if you’re not going to do it, I’m going to do it.”

The former South Africa international said both players must respond positively to the competition for places.

“So we need those two boys to make sure that they pull up their socks both of them.”