Dondol Stars co-coach Khuliso Rashamuse has opened up on whether they are prepared to lose key players to big teams after their incredible Nedbank Cup run was ended by Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals.
ABC Motsepe League side Dondol made their name in the Nedbank Cup after they eliminated two Premiership sides SuperSport United and AmaZulu.
'Chaba Re Fete' almost pulled off a massive upset after they stretched Pirates all the way to penalties before losing 5-4 in the shootouts, after a 1-1 draw in extra-time.
Read: Pirates Hero: Who Knew I Would Be The One…
Rashamuse was asked what is the stance of the club on players who could have attracted the big sides and he pointed out to Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lesedi Kapinga, who comes from their ranks, as evidence that they believe in the progression of players.
"Dondol Stars advocates for player development, we don't stand in front of player opportunities, for example you know Lesedi Kapinga is Dondol's product," Rashamuse told journalists after their heart-breaking penalty shootout loss.
"Senzo Nkwanyana is now playing with Sekhukhune (United) but I think he's loaned out and he's also Dondol Stars' protege and a couple of other players.
"The chairman believes so much in developing and creating chances and giving people better life and future in football," he said.
The young tactician continued and explained that the Nedbank Cup is all about giving these unknown players exposure and he would be happy if some of the players get signed by the Premiership teams.
"I mean, I think this tournament is mainly for that as well. If you play against SuperSport you beat them 2-1, you go an extra mile with AmaZulu, obviously one or two, three players will be scouted and that's what we want," he said.
"I as a coach if Spha (goalkeeper Sphamandla Gumede) finds a contract or Mboi the centre-back, (Kamogelo) Sambo or whoever, I'm happy, I've done my job, I've developed a player for pro side teams in South Africa and even for the national team."
Rashamuse was also asked if they expected to push Pirates all the way to penalties and was confident that actually they expected to beat Pirates and was grateful for the exposure they got in the 'Cup of Dreams'.
"We expected actually to win the game because the plan was if we can hold them up until half-time 0-0 then it's game on and it was game on," he said confidently.
"It's all about profile, I'm sure in the last two months I was not known and Vinny (co-coach Vincent Rammoni) but now we're known. But the focus is still with Dondol Stars, we can't talk about anything else," he added.
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