“The Will Must Be Stronger Than Theirs” – Xoki Sends Warning as Pirates Draw Casric Stars in Nedbank Cup Last 16

Orlando Pirates have reacted positively – but cautiously – to their Nedbank Cup Last 16 draw after being paired with National First Division outfit Casric Stars in the next round of the competition.

The Buccaneers secured their place in the Round of 16 with an emphatic 4–1 victory over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, underlining their serious intentions of lifting a third Nedbank Cup trophy in four years. Widely regarded as knockout specialists in South African football, Pirates once again have their sights firmly set on silverware.

The latest draw offers the Soweto giants home advantage – a factor defender Thapelo Xoki believes is significant. However, he has warned against any sense of complacency when facing lower-division opposition.

“It’s a good draw for us, we’re playing at home. That’s always the wish when you come to these draws,” Xoki told Pirates media.

“But we know it’s going to be a tricky fixture, so it needs us to apply ourselves. We’re ready for the challenge and looking forward to making our fans happy at home.”

While Pirates enter the fixture as favourites, Xoki highlighted the unique dangers of knockout football — particularly against opponents with little pressure and everything to gain.

“In these types of games, it’s never easy. Sometimes it’s hard to get information about the opponents. The most important thing is to apply ourselves. The will must be stronger than their will,” he said.

“We know they are highly motivated to beat us. We take it one game at a time and we’ll give it our all against them.”

Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki (Image: @orlandopirates/ X)

Casric Stars, who compete in the National First Division (NFD), are expected to arrive with high energy and determination. The NFD is widely regarded as a physically demanding and competitive league – something Xoki acknowledged.

“It’s a team playing in the NFD. We know how much that league is a hard-running league. So we need to apply ourselves on the day, make sure we don’t take them for granted and get the positive result,” he added.

The Nedbank Cup Last 16 fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 21–22 February, with kick-off times and final venue confirmations still to be announced.

For Orlando Pirates, the objective remains clear: navigate the challenge, avoid a potential upset, and continue their pursuit of domestic cup dominance. But as Xoki’s message makes clear, the Buccaneers are fully aware that in knockout football, reputation alone guarantees nothing.