Casric boss reveals doubts over Pirates-supporting goalkeeper before Nedbank Cup heroics

Casric Stars head coach and chairman, Bucs Mthombeni, has clarified his loyalties following claims he supports Orlando Pirates, admitting that while his son is a fan, he himself remains neutral.

The clarification comes after Casric delivered a stunning upset, knocking the Soweto giants out of the Nedbank Cup. The match, held at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout.

Casric ultimately triumphed 5-4 in sudden death, with goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni—the coach’s son—emerging as the hero with several crucial saves throughout the historic match for the Mpumalanga-based club.

Despite a deep-rooted family connection to the Buccaneers, coach Mthombeni insisted his professional focus remains unwavering.

Casric coach on Pirates loyalty in his family

“My late mom was a number one Pirates fan, and my uncle, the late Moses Mahlangu, was very close to Jomo Sono. He was a Pirates fan and recruited most of my family to support them, but I was the only neutral one,” Mthombeni explained.

“I wanted to pursue a dream of coaching, so I stayed neutral. My son, the goalkeeper who kept a clean sheet, is a Pirates fan, and so is my other son, Mlondi. They are recruiting everyone in the family too.”

𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱! 🏠⚽️

Bucs Mthombeni explains the family ties to Orlando Pirates after Casric Stars’ historic 5-4 penalty shootout win at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Despite a family full of Ghost supporters—including clean-sheet hero Wandile… pic.twitter.com/fx0glrnSif

— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) February 22, 2026

The coach revealed that his son’s allegiance even raised questions among the squad before the crucial cup tie.

Doubts over neutrality of keeper Mthombeni

“What made me most excited was winning for the boys,” he said. “At home, it’s just myself and my wife who are neutral; everyone else supports Pirates. There was some doubt from the players about him starting in goal. They asked if he was sure he would give it his all.”

“I told them he signed a contract, and if he can’t commit himself here, his job will be on the line,” Mthombeni added jokingly. “Even my younger brother didn’t come to the stadium because, as a Pirates supporter, he didn’t know where to stand. I think he watched on TV.”

With their victory, Casric Stars advanced to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, joining AmaZulu, Durban City, Golden Arrows, and TS Galaxy as confirmed participants in the next round.