Iqraam Rayners: Should the Stellenbosch FC Striker Have Made Hugo Broos’ AFCON 2023 Squad?

• Iqraam Rayners had a 2023 to remember with Stellenbosch FC but failed to impress Hugo Broos
• Rayners won the Carling Knockout Cup and will aim to add the Carling All-Star title on January 6
• Stellenbosch FC had three players in the preliminary squad but only one of the stars was selected

It may prove unwise to doubt decades of experience. Those questioning Hugo Broos' AFCON 2023 squad selection have thrown Iqraam Rayners' name into the mix as one of the unluckier exclusions.

The Stellenbosch FC striker has been a valuable asset for Steve Barker as he has notched up several personal and team accolades.

Broos has opted for Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa as the centre-forward options, while being likely to start Themba Zwane and Percy Tau behind the frontmen.

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The 28-year-old Capetonian would have half expected to make the squad having outscored both Lepasa and Makgopa this season.

Having just won the Carling Knockout Cup while securing four fan-voted Man of the Match cheques too, Rayners' confidence would have been sky-high.

This was evident as he sparked Stellenbosch's revival as they came from two goals down to beat Orlando Pirates in Soweto in their final DStv Premiership match of the year.

Broos is taking the criticism in his stride, having weathered greater storms before. Taking inspiration from his 2017 win with Cameroon, the Belgian told SABC Sport:

"We have guys that are a group, not 23 players. This is a group. If everyone is convinced of their qualities, and they are mentally and physically ready, then I think we can have good results."

Rayners and Stellenbosch will now turn their focus to an exhibition encounter against the Carling Knockout All-Stars this weekend.

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Hugo Broos announces AFCON squad

Sports Brief recently reported on Broos' selection of 23 South Africans to challenge for the AFCON title.

He made his announcement from Belgium, where he had returned for the festive season to visit family.

Broos will lead South Africa into their 11th Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in roughly two weeks.