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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes facing smaller teams in the cup competitions exposes more players to the big stage at professional level.
Recently the Brazilians faced National First Division outfit Cape Town All Stars at Athlone Stadium in a Nedbank Cup last-32 tie, and were perhaps fortunate to win 1-0 courtesy of a Percy Tau second half strike.
Prior to Tau's eventual winner, the hosts had fluffed two sitters with striker Nation Ndlovu culpable for the glaring misses.
Nonetheless, despite stepping into the unknown when facing unheralded players from the lower leagues, Mngqithi takes the view it is beneficial.
He told reporters: "I think it's always nicer when you have to dig deeper. It is also an opportunity for us to see some talent so games (against lower league opponents) are not only there for us to win but are also there for us to see some young talent‚ that one must look at for the future.
"Personally I would always prefer to play against the unknown teams because I always want to know more players in and around the country. It is my responsibility as a coach to always see some players that I think can make an impact.
"Maybe not at Sundowns but in the PSL. And then to keep track of such players going forward into the future. If you ask me‚ I’d choose a smaller team!"
