“They Fly Like Bees” – How Casric Stars’ Deadly Trio Is Keeping Pitso Up at Night

Durban City coach Pitso Dladla has admitted he is wary of the lethal threat posed by Casric Stars’ attacking trident, following their destructive performance in the quarter-finals.

The trio of Mfundo Thikazi, Lelethu Skelem, and Decide Chauke famously dismantled AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium in March, utilizing blistering transitional speed to secure a 2-1 victory.

The opening goal in that quarter-final perfectly illustrated their chemistry; a rapid counter-attack saw Skelem tee up Thikazi, whose clinical finish left AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson injured and forced off the field.

Although Hendrick Ekstein equalized for Usuthu, Chauke—who replaced Skelem at halftime—clinched the winner with a superb strike just five minutes before the final whistle.

It was a continuation of Stars’ “giant-killing” reputation, having already stunned Orlando Pirates in the Round of 16.

Heading into the semi-final at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday, many observers now view the Mpumalanga side as favorites to reach the final.

“They are a team that is doing well. As I said, they are characterized by mobility players,” said Dladla. 

“You look at Chauke, Skelem, and you look at the players around them – Thabang Rakwena, Siphosethu Meveni – they complement each other.  

“That’s why I’m saying we need to understand their strength and then try to make sure that we counterpress them and concentrate on ourselves because we are also a good team. 

Dladla remains confident in his backline’s ability to handle the pressure. “We have defenders capable of winning one-on-one battles and matching their pace. We are leaving no stone unturned.”

Conditioning has been Stars’ hallmark throughout this competition; they simply do not seem to tire. Remarkably, they have secured every victory on the road.

“They are a team that, as I said, if we want to do well, we must match them physically,” Dladla emphasized. 

“In terms of mobility, they are mobile. You must run more than them; you must cover more distances, obviously. 

“I’m not saying it’s a game whereby we are playing at home; it is given that we should win. 

“But if we prepare well mentally, because of the preparation here on the field, the preparations during the video sessions are clear – it is all about mentality, and I’m sure that is what we are doing more than anything else to adopt the right mentality.  

“But at the end of the day, we should emerge victorious at the end of the game.”