Orlando Pirates vs Casric Stars: Preview, team news, possible lineups and where to watch

Orlando Pirates will continue their quest for a domestic treble as they prepare to host lower-division side Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.

The Buccaneers, having already secured the MTN8 and Carling Knockout titles, are aiming to become the only South African team to win all available major domestic trophies in a single season.

The Soweto giants will welcome their opponents to the Orlando Amstel Arena, looking to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Recent form and head-to-head

Pirates come into the game on the back of their 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the PSL on Wednesday and will want a swift return to winning ways given it is a knockout match.

Pirates saw their impressive 14-game unbeaten streak across all competitions come to an end with the league loss to Sundowns. Their journey to this stage of the Nedbank Cup involved a convincing 4-1 victory over another lower-division team, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the Round of 32.

Casric Stars secured their spot in the Round of 16 by defeating Army Rocket 3-0. Their recent form includes two wins and three draws in their last five matches, with their most recent result being a 2-2 league draw against Hungry Lions.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Orlando Pirates and Casric Stars.

Pirates vs Casric Stars team news

Following a recent league defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to rotate his squad for this cup tie. This could provide opportunities for players like Sipho Mbule, Daniel Msendami, and Andre de Jong to feature.

However, the team will be without defenders Tapelo Xoki and Thabiso Lebitso, who are sidelined with injuries. Key midfielder Thalente Mbatha is also considered a doubt for the match.

Meanwhile, the visitors face their own selection challenges, with Nhlanhla Ntuli and Thabang Ernest Rakwena both unavailable due to suspension. The second-tier club has not reported any new injury concerns ahead of their trip to Orlando.

Casric Stars will be hoping to cause a major upset and will look to the experience of former Pirates defender Justice Chabalala, alongside key players Mfundo Thikazi and Hlayisi Chauke, to lead their charge.

🚨 FORM GUIDE! ☠️⭐️

Orlando Pirates have lost just one of their last five matches, while Casric Stars have managed only one win in their last five. 📊

Form favours the Bucs, but football isn’t played on paper. 👀#AirMobile #BetwayPrem #Shield #AbsaFootballFridays pic.twitter.com/xq8VFHGA6G

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) February 20, 2026

Time and where to watch

The match will kick off at 18:00 at Orlando Amstel Arena and will be live on SuperSport TV and SABC.

Pirates vs Casric Stars predicted lineups

Possible Pirates XI: Buthelezi, Chabatsane, Seema, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Mbatha, Nemtajela, De Jong, Moremi, Appollis, Msendami

Possible Casric Stars XI: Mthombeni, Meveni, Lekhatla, Chabalala, Mtshweni, Marebane, Mlilo, Mogale, Moukete, Zwane, Chauke