A record-breaking five-goal haul from Iqraam Rayners inspired Stellenbosch FC to a sensational 5-0 win over Polokwane City in their DStv Premiership encounter on Saturday evening.

Stellenbosch FC’s impressive run of form, which stood at 23 matches without defeat heading into Saturday’s match, was extended to 24 at the Danie Craven Stadium after Iqraam Rayners fired the team from the Cape Winelands to a 5-0 win in their DStv Premiership encounter against Polokwane City.

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Following a scrappy opening to the match, in which neither side looked able to gain a foothold, it was the hosts who took an early lead following a moment of magic from striker Iqraam Rayners who fired his side ahead with an unstoppable effort from outside of the box.

Stellenbosch FC are currently on a 24 match unbeaten run across all competitions, dating back to the club’s last defeat in September last year.

Not satisfied with the one goal, Stellies were soon on the attack again and came close to doubling their advantage when Polokwane City ‘keeper Masizakhe Myataza fumbled the ball from a corner, but Andre de Jong could only fire the rebound over the crossbar.

Stellenbosch captain Deano van Rooyen was next to take aim as half-time approached but the skipper could only drive his powerful effort wide after a spellbinding passage of play from Devin Titus in the build-up.

Following the break, it was Polokwane City who were out of the blocks quickest in the second stanza, with substitute Hlayisi Chauke coming close to leveling the scores with two efforts in quick succession, hitting the side netting with the first before heading just wide with the second.

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The guests continued to press forward in search of an equaliser and would have found it were not for the heroics of Stellies ‘keeper Sage Stephens, who pulled off two consecutive saves from point-blank range to preserve the Maroons’ lead.

A passage of unparalleled finishing brilliance followed at the other end as Rayners doubled, tripled, quadrupled, and then quintupled the scoring with four goals in the space of less than 20 minutes.

Rayners is only the second player to score a hat-trick for Stellenbosch FC, after Stanley Muishond in 2017, and the first to score both four and five goals in a single match for the club.

Remarkably, the mercurial number nine had the chance to add a sixth late on, only to be denied by Myataza, but his heroics had long secured his place in the history books as Stellenbosch rounded out a comprehensive 5-0 win.

Stellenbosch FC starting XI: Stephens, Van Rooyen, Moloisane, Toure, Basadien, Palace (Jurgens 65′), Adams, De Jong (Mgaga 65′), Titus (Van Wyk 74′), Oura & Rayners