Bucs Mthombeni downplays Casric giant slaying Nedbank Cup run

The second division outfit claimed another topflight scalp as they shocked AmaZulu 2-1 to book their place in the Nedbank Cup semifinals – a result further cementing their reputation as giant slayers after knocking out Orlando Pirates in the round of 16.  

Mthombeni, however, downplayed their dream run as they remain firm on their key objective to earn promotion, having twice failed at the playoff stage in the last three seasons.

"We needed to make sure that we defend like we did against Orlando Pirates – even their goal, I'm still going to watch what happened but I feel our rest defence was not looking for the runner, but it's okay," said Mthombeni.

"AmaZulu were the better team in the first half, but we came up with a plan to make sure we wrap this game – but I'd like to just give credit to the boys and even the supporters because they even made a last-minute call yesterday to say they need to be here.

"But now not forgetting that we can't be excited going into the semifinal, we need to go back on Wednesday against Tuks, try to rotate the team and do a proper regeneration and manage these players because three of four players were cramping in this game.

"This is just to see, if we can get promotion, can we come and compete with the big ones."

READ: Bible verse behind Casric goalkeeper's Nedbank Cup triumph

The Casric coach does hope their cup run will bring the club and players' exposure.  

"It's also good for these boys' profiles to grow – that's what I also tell them, they needed to try, because this is live TV and they are playing against the best, to prove themselves that they are also among the best," he added.

"And then it also prepares them – the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and where they started, they need to make sure that whenever they get an opportunity, they grab it and market themselves.

"But they also play, especially, for the brand and playing against these big teams, it gives us an opportunity to attract sponsors because we are a team that are surviving with a very low grant, and this will help people to start recognising us."