Casric Stars plot ‘giant-killing’ mission against wounded Pirates

The Nedbank Cup Round of 16 serves up a classic cup tie this Saturday as Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Casric Stars travel to the Orlando Amstel Arena to face a bruised Orlando Pirates.

Despite the gulf in status, Casric Stars head coach and chairman, Bucs Mthombeni, believes his side possesses the defensive steel to cause a massive upset.

Mthombeni’s troops enter the lion’s den following a midweek where the Buccaneers suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. While Pirates will be hungry for redemption, Mthombeni sees an opportunity in their opponent’s desperation.

𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒈 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌? 🏟️💥

The Casric Stars boss Bucs Mthombeni isn’t heading to Orlando to play “open football.” He’s banking on a defensive masterclass to frustrate a “wounded” Pirates side.

“If we contain them for 30 mins, anything can happen.”… pic.twitter.com/iE83qUvdjB

— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) February 21, 2026

Defensive Discipline vs. Pirates Firepower

Mthombeni’s confidence is built on a rock-solid defensive foundation. Casric Stars have kept five clean sheets in their last seven outings, conceding only three goals in that period.

“We are a team that actually scores a lot, but we defend very well,” Mthombeni noted during the pre-match presser in Sandton on Thursday. “If we can contain the pressure for the first 30 minutes, I think the result can go anywhere.”

The coach highlighted the tactical necessity of avoiding an “open game” against the Soweto giants, emphasising that surviving the initial onslaught from the home crowd and a motivated Pirates attack will be the key to victory.

The ‘Orlando Fortress’ Challenge For Casric Stars

Pirates’ home record is formidable, and the Orlando Amstel Arena is expected to be at full capacity. Mthombeni, who watched Pirates’ tactical battle against Sundowns in person on Wednesday, is well aware of the atmosphere his players will face.

“I know it’s difficult to play at Orlando Stadium. The coach hasn’t lost a game there, and the supporters come in numbers,” Mthombeni admitted. “But on the day, football doesn’t have a ‘therefore.’ If we stick to our game plan and play without fear, anything can happen.”

Interestingly, Casric Stars have statistically performed better away from home this season, a trend Mthombeni hopes will continue. With Pirates likely to throw “all guns blazing” to appease their supporters after the Mamelodi Sundowns loss, the underdogs are banking on tactical patience and clinical counter-attacking to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Casric Stars Eye Nedbank Cup Shock

Casric Stars arrive at Orlando following a week in which Pirates suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. The loss has left the Buccaneers eager to bounce back in front of their home supporters.

However, Mthombeni sees opportunity rather than intimidation.

Despite the difference in league status between the two sides, the Casric Stars mentor insists his team will not be heading to Soweto merely to make up the numbers.

“We are a team that actually scores a lot, but we defend very well,” Mthombeni said during his pre-match press conference in Sandton.

His message is clear: structure first, patience second, opportunity third.

Defensive Discipline Key for Casric Stars

The foundation of Casric Stars’ belief lies in their recent defensive record. The Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit has kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches, conceding just three goals during that stretch.

Such defensive solidity could prove vital against a Pirates attack likely to come out firing after their setback against Sundowns.

Mthombeni emphasized the importance of surviving the early storm.

“If we can contain the pressure for the first 30 minutes, I think the result can go anywhere.”

The strategy is straightforward: frustrate Pirates, silence the crowd, and grow into the game. An open, end-to-end encounter would likely favor the Soweto giants, but a compact and disciplined setup could tilt the psychological balance.