Mthombeni explains Thikazi and ex-Pirates star’s key role at Casric Stars

Mfundo Thikazi. Picture courtesy of Royal AM/X

Following their recent impressive performances, Casric Stars coach Bucs Mthombeni has explained the key role played by Mfundo Thikazi and ex-Orlando Pirates defender Justice Chabalala at the club.

The Mpumalanga-based outfit has enjoyed an imperious run of form, keeping them firmly in the hunt for both the Motsepe Foundation Championship title and the Nedbank Cup.

Casric find themselves locked in a high-stakes battle for automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership, competing in a crowded pack alongside Milford FC, Kruger United, Hungry Lions FC, and Cape Town City FC. After 22 matches, the Mpumalanga-based outfit currently sits fourth on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log with 38 points—remarkably just two points adrift of the summit.

The title race remains razor-thin: Milford and Kruger currently lead the pack with 40 points each, while the Northern Cape’s Hungry Lions occupy third with 39 points. As the 2025/26 NFD campaign nears its crescendo, Casric’s consistent performances have made them genuine contenders for top-flight football next season.

Beyond their league ambitions, Casric are also chasing Nedbank Cup glory after storming into the 2026 semi-finals. They are set to clash with Durban City FC in the final four this weekend, eyeing a historic first-ever appearance in the final of South Africa’s premier cup competition.

WHAT MTHOMBENI SAID ABOUT THIKAZI AND CHABALALA’S IMPACT AT CASRIC STARS

Justice Chabalala at Orlando Pirates. Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates/X

Following their impressive resurgence in recent months, Bucs Mthombeni has lauded former Royal AM star Thikazi for his creative influence, while also highlighting the vital role of Chabalala, who is assisting the technical team in mentoring the club’s younger talents.

“They [Thikazi and Chabalala] have brought depth into the team. I mean, Chabalala is a good leader, he’s a father to these players, and he’s helping us a lot as the technical staff during games and in training,” Mthombeni said.

“He’s one of us, and I’m very happy to have a player of his calibre. He’s helping us a lot because he brings love to the players and, most importantly, unity. Casric is a very united team, but even now, he makes our training sessions very easy because he’s pushing these boys.

“So Chabalala tells them that the future is bright and they must behave because I think he is more than 35-years but he can still run with these players.

“And Thikazi has solved our problems of scoring. He has played only three games, but he scored two goals in very important games. I think he’s still going to assist us a lot in terms of creativity and scoring. We all know that he’s a star.”