Cole Alexander's take on the interest around his teammates Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi

Alexander says he would love to see Appollis and Matuludi remaining with the team, but he also knows the importance of them searching for greener pastures.

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Appollis, in particular, has been the subject of interest from Tunisian giants and four-time African champions Esperance de Tunis, as well as Kaizer Chiefs. Alexander says the two players play a pivotal role in the team.

''I am not surprised at all, they are phenomenal players and it is very tough because from my side I want what is best for the club but also as a father as a family man, I also want what is best for the players and their families. It is a very tricky situation, I don't know what is going to happen but those are two important players for the club,'' said Alexander.

Alexander, a well-traveled player who has starred for Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, and Kaizer Chiefs and also had a stint in India, says he understands Rise and Shine’s Chairman Johnny Mogaladi's desire to build the team around the two Bafana Bafana players. At the same time, he sympathises with their ambitions.

 ''Listening to our chairman, he wants to build this brand, he wants the brand to grow bigger and bigger. By losing some of the key players it doesn't help the club, but if they are here we get stronger. For me I want what is best for the club, but we will see - God knows best,'' added Alexander.

Meanwhile, Polokwane City have accepted the underdogs heading to their MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe stadium on Sunday. Alexander says this allows them to go into this game with less pressure and focus on pulling off an upset, as they haven’t beaten the Brazilians in the last seven matches. Their last win against them was six years ago.

''Our players need to know that we should put pressure on ourselves. We have done well to see us play in this prestigious tournament. I'm sure the whole country thinks it will be a walk in the park for Sundowns, we should not add extra pressure on ourselves - we can use this as a motivation to surprise many, play from that place where people think we are the underdogs. Our identity is giving everything on the field,'' he concluded.

 After undergoing some changes in their technical team, with Manqoba Mngqithi taking up the head coach position at the Brazilians following the departure of Rulani Mokwena, the talk has been about how Sundowns will come out differently tactically. 

Alexander is still expecting a more ruthless Sundowns, looking at their dominance in South African football over the past decade.