Stellenbosch FC climbed into the top eight on the DStv Premiership standings with a 2-0 win over AmaZulu on Friday evening.
After the emphatic Nedbank Cup win over TS Galaxy, the Maroons re-called goalkeeper Sage Stephens, while Usuthu drafted Sede Dion and Veluyeke Zulu back into the line-up after their shock exit.
Usuthu started brightly after 12 minutes and had a free-kick from Gabadinho Mhango come off the upright before the follow-up effort flew wide.
Rayners continued his fine display six minutes later when he combined with Junior Mendieta in the area and tucked in for his sixth goal in six successive games.
Stellenbosch's tails were up after going ahead and were close to doubling their lead with a close-range shot by Mendieta after breaking through the defence, but Usuthu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa smothered.
There were two substitutions from Usuthu before the second half commenced, as Ethan Brooks came on for Tercious Malepe while Guily Manziba replaced Thabo Qalinge.
Stellies, though, continued to have the lion share of chances and should’ve gone two goals up on 60 minutes when Devon Titus ran in-behind and rounded Mothwa only to find the post.
The relentless forays from the Maroons continued nine minutes later where Titus steered a cutback from the right by Rayners wide of the bottom-corner with the goal in plain sight.
Titus pulled clear again from the shoulder of the area and on this occasion, he found the back of the net when he slotted beyond the on-rushing Mothwa from a tight angle with 15 minutes to play.
With Usuthu looking for a way back, the Maroons broke on the counter and nearly had a third with a low shot from close-range by Antonio Van Wyk but Mothwa parried.
AmaZulu battled to get confidence towards full-time and the host piled forward again as a snap-shot by Van Wyk rolled wide of target, but the two goals were enough to secure maximum points for the hosts.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Makhanya, Sibande, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Mendieta, Sibiya, Jabaar, De Jong, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Langeveldt, Mgaga, Letsoenyo, Nduli, Mngomezulu, Mcaba, Adams, Boji, Van Wyk
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Zulu, Gumede, Malepe, Manziba, Maluleka, Ekstein, Dion, Mhango
Subs: February, Mabiliso, Khumalo, Mavuso, Bwalya, Brooks, Kunene, Qalinge, Zuma
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