'Football gods on our side': Dondol Stars to bag at least R400k after Nedbank Cup giant-killing run

Dondol Stars have defied the footballing odds this season.

The third-tier outfit, vying to climb out of the ABC Motsepe League (Gauteng Province), added another Premier Soccer League giant killing to their list.

After outwitting SuperSport United in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 in a 2-1 win, the Mamelodi-based side went after AmaZulu in the last 16 on Wednesday.

Stars cancelled out Hendrick Ekstein's opening goal in the second half via Renaldo Fox and forced the Durban side all the way to a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 to advance to the quarter-finals.

"We are happy and excited. I hoped and prayed that our boys come to the party, and they came," Dondol co-coach Khuliso Rashamuse said during his post-match interview with SuperSport TV.

"We pushed our players. We did not have anything to lose. They came to the party, and they danced and had fun.

"Penalties are lotteries. Anything can happen. The football gods were on our side. It was in the players' hearts, they wanted it the most, that's where we won it.

"Besides it being history, it is a great achievement of the team. We want to remain humble. Focus on the league, and if we win, we go to the Gladafrica Championship (now Motsepe Foundation Championship). My life, Vini's (co-coach Vincent Rammoni) life and the players' changes."

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The Dondol Stars will aim to join Baroka FC, who defeated Kaizer Chiefs in last eight round of 2011 and remain the only third tier team to fell top flight opposition in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.

The ABC Motsepe League side are now guaranteed to walk away with at least R400 000 for their efforts, which could go a long way for the club from the third tier.

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