Sport

Casric Stars Shift Focus to Promotion Bid After Nedbank Cup Exit

April 5, 2026

Casric Stars coach Joseph Mthombeni has urged his players to quickly move on from their Nedbank Cup semi-final heartbreak and channel their energy into securing promotion to the top flight. The team saw their impressive cup run ended by Durban City on Saturday, with an unfortunate own goal proving the difference in a match Mthombeni felt his side largely controlled.

According to Mthombeni, the team was the better side, creating many chances, but they were compact at the back. The game was decided by an own goal, which is part of football. Despite the disappointment, the coach refused to criticise his players, praising their effort after a demanding run of away fixtures.

Promotion the Primary Objective

Promotion to the Premiership remains the club’s primary objective, having narrowly missed out in previous seasons. In the past three years, they have been in the play-offs but didn’t make it. Now, they want to push for automatic promotion. Their focus will be much better, with about eight matches left and a desire to collect as many points as possible.

The coach also highlighted the value of their cup run, saying it provided a benchmark for his squad against higher-level opposition. It was good exposure for the players, showing that they can compete at that level. The team will face fellow Nedbank Cup semi-finalists Milford FC, the current log leaders, in a crunch clash on Wednesday.

Upcoming Match

Casric Stars will face a tricky league encounter against Milford on Wednesday. The team thrashed second-placed Kruger United 4-0 in their last league match. Mthombeni believes the timing of their cup exit could ultimately benefit Stars as they enter a crucial phase of their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign.

For more information on the Nedbank Cup, visit the Nedbank Cup Wikipedia page. The Nedbank Cup is an annual association football competition in South Africa.