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'I never disrespected the Pirates supporters', says Stellies striker

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Iqraam Rayners (PA Images)
Iqraam Rayners (PA Images)

Cape Town - Stellenbosch FC star striker Iqraam Rayners has revealed why he did the skull and crossbone celebration after he scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

The 23-year-old's strike was enough to decide the encounter and he celebrated in emphatic fashion - doing the skull and crossbones sign before throwing them into the air to show they were now broken.

"When we came onto the field the Pirates fans were on us," he said in the SuperSport TV post-match interview.

"They kept talking and they were saying stuff and they were on us before the game started, so when I scored, I wanted to show them we did it and we didn't lose so I'm happy."

Now speaking to KickOff website, the goal-poacher says he meant no disrespect with his celebration.

"I never disrespected the Pirates supporters," he says.

"I was just happy to score against a big team like Pirates and I'm happy we got the three points, that is all that matters."

Last season, Rayners helped guide Stellies to Absa Premiership promotion from the National First Division by topping the scoring charts with 19-goals.

Despite a slow start to life in the top flight South African football, Rayners has finally found his goalscoring touch in recent games.

He believes that his improvement comes down to having had time to adapt, persevere and simply hard work.

"Yes, I'm finding my feet in the PSL now. It's not an easy league but I'm getting there," he said. 

"I just want to say thanks to all the Stellenbosch supporters who came out in numbers to support the boys over the weekend. We really appreciate it a lot."

He added: "If you work hard things will happen for you, and it depends how you adapt in the league also."

Stellies are back in action next Wednesday, November 6 as they travel to AmaZulu for a midweek league clash.

Kick-off is at 19:30.

- TeamTalk Media

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