Dondol Stars co-coach Vincent Rammoni says that they are ‘not feeling any pressure’ despite coming into the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs as favourites.
Dondol suffered a 2-1 defeat to the hosts Umsinga United in their first game of the playoffs on Tuesday, 6 June 2023. The game took place at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The SAFA Gauteng side is a very ambitious team with coaches that has an excellent philosophy and players with intent.
Also a team good enough to go toe-to-toe with any club as proven by their good journey in the 2023 Nedbank Cup competition.
DONDOL STARS NOT FEELING UNDER PRESSURE
Despite this, Rammoni insists he is not happy with yesterday’s result, but denies that they feel under pressure.
“Honestly, we didn’t feel any pressure coming here. We came here sober-minded,” said Rammoni.
“We believe we have done our preparations very well in terms of tactical plans and everything.”
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GAUTENG LEAGUE AND THE PLAYOFFS
Rammoni went on to state the difference between playing in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League and in the national playoffs.
“But then, the difference between the games that we play in Gauteng and the games that we play in the playoffs lies in the referees,” he added.
“I’m not saying they are cheating anybody. But the type of fouls that they give away has a huge impact on how the ball is going to be played.
The co-coach continued: “If you play where referees allow hard tackles to be thrown in, a lot of goals are going to come in from transaction moments.
“So, when you play in Johannesburg, the match officials always pick the fouls that are committed by the oppositions. And don’t let the game get aggressive in order to protect the players.”
Dondol will play their last game of the the playoffs against Buffalo tomorrow at 10:30 at Harry Gwala Stadium. This will a must win game for Dondol, having lost their first match.
RELATED STORY: DAY 1: ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs roars to life
