“This Can Change Our Club” – Mthombeni Reacts After Casric Stars Shock AmaZulu in Nedbank Cup
Casric Stars head coach Bucks Mthombeni believes his side’s remarkable Nedbank Cup journey could transform the future of the club after their latest giant-killing performance over the weekend.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit stunned AmaZulu FC 2–1 after extra time in their quarterfinal clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, securing a historic place in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup for the first time.
But for Mthombeni, the significance of the result goes far beyond reaching the last four.
Speaking after the match, the Casric Stars mentor said competing – and winning – against top-flight clubs gives his players a platform to prove their ability while raising the profile of a club operating with limited resources.
“It is just to see if we can get promotion and whether we can compete against the big teams,” Mthombeni explained. “It’s also good for the boys’ profiles to grow. I tell them this is live TV and we are playing against the best, so they must prove they are also among the best.”
The coach also stressed that the team’s success in the competition could help attract potential sponsors.
“Playing against these big teams gives us an opportunity to attract sponsors because we are a team surviving with a very low grant. I think this will put our team in a better place for people to start recognising us.”
The victory added another giant-killing chapter to Casric Stars’ cup campaign. In the previous round, they famously eliminated Orlando Pirates on penalties at Orlando Stadium.
Casric Stars FC head coach Bucks Mthombeni (Image: @casricstars/ X)
Casric Stars were not the only lower-division side to cause an upset over the weekend.
Motsepe Foundation Championship club Milford FC booked their semifinal place after defeating Sekhukhune United 3–2 on penalties following a 2–2 draw.
Meanwhile, TS Galaxy progressed with a 2–0 victory over third-tier outfit Jacksa Spears.
The final semifinal berth was secured by Durban City FC, who edged local rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows 5–4 on penalties after the teams played to a 1–1 draw.
With the quarterfinal stage now complete, attention turns to the next chapter of the competition.
The semifinal draw will take place in Johannesburg on Monday evening and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Channel 202 from 20:30.