Casric Stars’ shock Nedbank Cup win over Orlando Pirates turned the Mpumalanga side from outsiders into real contenders. At the center of the fairytale is goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni, whose penalty heroics sealed a famous Last 16 victory and gave “The Believers” reason to dream bigger.
Mthombeni family’s strong football ties
Casric Stars goalkeeper Wandile Mthombeni hails from a family deeply entrenched in football. Guided by his father, who also co-owns the Motsepe Foundation Championship side. The 25-year-old shot-stopper continues to draw strength from his relatives’ influence in the game.
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Mthombeni, who denied Orlando Pirates a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal spot with his heroics in a tense 5-4 penalty shootout after 120 goalless minutes, is inspired by his family’s football legacy. His uncle Gamela is a respected commentator and analyst with SABC’s IsiNdebele radio station Ikwekwezi FM, while another uncle, Jabu, once played top-flight football. These strong ties to the sport continue to shape and motivate his journey between the posts.
From midfielder to goalkeeper — inspired by Andile Jali
The 25-year-old shot-stopper’s path to goalkeeping wasn’t straightforward. In his junior years, he started out as a midfielder, drawing inspiration from former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star Andile Jali.
He fondly remembers wearing Jali’s iconic number 15 jersey, dreaming of carving out a similar career in the National First Division. But a pivotal moment later redirected his journey — swapping midfield duties for the gloves, a decision that ultimately defined his role and shaped his career.
Experience driving Casric’s promotion ambitions — and focus on the Mpumalanga derby
Over the past two seasons, Casric Stars have come agonisingly close to securing promotion to the Betway Premiership, only to fall short in the play-offs. Their hopes faded last term despite a string of impressive performances, including standout displays at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga against Cape Town City.
This season, however, Mthombeni believes the squad’s mentality has been bolstered by the experience gained — particularly from players with top-flight backgrounds. He remains convinced that their impressive Nedbank Cup run will not derail the club’s main mission: earning promotion to the Premiership. That journey continues with a crucial Mpumalanga derby clash against The Bees this week.
Bright future predicted for Chiefs youngsters on loan
During the recent transfer window, Casric Stars reinforced their squad with the addition of two exciting young forwards on loan from Kaizer Chiefs — Manqoba “Pelembe” Ozoemena and Ofentse Kgosana.
Mthombeni hailed the pair as special talents, applauding their immediate impact after combining for Kgosana’s strike in a commanding 3-0 win over Army Rocket in the Last 32. The goalkeeper remains convinced that both attackers have bright futures ahead as they continue to develop with “The Believers.”