Rayners & Zwane Reflect on a Global Stage Moment That Will Last a Lifetime

Author: Erica Mathye

Following their bold showing and dazzling display of Shoe Shine and Piano football at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns have returned home to South Africa with heads held high. Finishing third in a fiercely contested Group F, the Brazilians may have bowed out of the tournament, but not before capturing global attention and igniting national pride.

As the team enjoys a short break before the launch of the 2025/26 campaign, the Digital Magazine sat down with two key figures — striker Iqraam Rayners and Club captain Themba Zwane — to reflect on what they both describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rayners: A Season to Remember, a Stage to Own

Fresh off a sensational domestic season where he battled teammate Lucas Ribeiro for the Golden Boot, Rayners entered the Club World Cup determined to finish the 2024/25 campaign on a high. And he did just that — with goals, records and headlines.

Known for letting his boots do the talking, the Cape Town-born forward spoke humbly but with unmistakable pride about his journey to the world stage:
“It was a special opportunity — not just for me, but for all of us. To represent South African football on a stage this big is something players dream of. These chances do not come often. To be part of it was a blessing.”

And Rayners did not just participate — he made history.

After scoring in the opening victory against Ulsan HD, he found the net again in a thrilling clash against Borussia Dortmund, becoming the first African player to score in consecutive matches at a FIFA Club World Cup.

“It is an amazing feeling to score in such a major tournament. But I could not have done it without the team. They created the chances — I just finished them. And to the Yellow Nation, thank you for sticking with us all the way. We wanted to go further, but your support never faded.”

Zwane: From Recovery to Redemption

For Themba Zwane, this tournament meant something deeply personal. After spending nearly eight months sidelined with injury, the captain made a late return in the CAF Champions League — but the Club World Cup marked his full comeback.
“It was a proud moment for me, coming back from a long-term injury and getting the chance to play at that level again. I worked hard to be part of this squad and to represent the Club in a global tournament like this. It is something I will cherish forever.”

Zwane, making his second Club World Cup appearance, spoke with the calm pride of a seasoned leader. Despite the heartbreak of not progressing to the knockout rounds, he believes the team achieved something greater.

“That opening win lifted our confidence. Yes, we did not convert every chance we had, but we made a statement. We played with heart, with style and with purpose.”
Mshishi is especially proud of how the team captivated fans, not just in Mzansi, but across the globe.

“The response was incredible. The way people supported us, the way they celebrated how we played, truly means everything. We may not have gone all the way, but we earned respect. We made our country proud.”

More Than Results – A Lasting Legacy
While the dream of lifting the trophy may have ended sooner than hoped, Sundowns left the Club World Cup with more than just results — they left a legacy. They showed the world the beauty of South African football. They inspired the next generation. They played with style, unity and belief. And for Rayners and Zwane, that is what football is all about.

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Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

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