“Tired Of The Playoffs” – Mthombeni Sets Bold Promotion Target For Casric Stars
Following their Nedbank Cup semi-final exit, Casric Stars co-owner and coach Bucks Mthombeni declares his side is finished with the “lottery” of the playoffs.
Instead, Stars are gunning for the top-flight promotion spot to secure their place in the Betway Premiership.
For the past three seasons—since Mthombeni acquired the status of Free State Stars to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship—the club has reached the promotion playoffs but failed to cross the finish line.
Currently sitting fourth with 38 points after 22 matches, Stars find themselves in familiar territory. While fourth place offers no playoff guarantees, Mthombeni’s men are within striking distance of the second and third-place playoff spots, as well as the coveted automatic promotion prize.
A crucial opportunity to climb the table arrives this Wednesday when they visit league leaders Milford FC at Umhlathuze Sports Ground.
Like Stars, Milford was also dumped out of the Nedbank Cup this weekend, falling to TS Galaxy on penalties.
Mthombeni believes the semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Durban City will serve as a catalyst for their league campaign.
“I think we are going to play two games in Durban [Midlands Wonderous on Saturday after Milford on Wednesday] and between Milford and us – the gap is two points,” said Mthombeni.
“But we have a better goal difference. I think now we are going to have a better focus since we are out of the Nedbank Cup.
“We are going to focus on the remaining eight matches to try to collect as many points as we can and try to get an automatic promotion.
Reflecting on the club’s history, he added: “The past three years we reached the playoffs, but this time we want to avoid that. It’s back to league business now.”
Overcoming Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium was always going to be a monumental task.
The hosts remain unbeaten at the venue this season, though they did suffer ‘home’ defeats to Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates when those fixtures were moved to Moses Mabhida Stadium for safety reasons.
“When I checked last time, I think they played 10 games, and they won six, lost two, and drew two,” said Mthombeni.
“Actually, they have never lost a game here [Chatsworth Stadium]. I was even talking to their coach [Pitso Dladla], and he said here they make sure that a team doesn’t come out.
“Unfortunately for us, we scored an own goal [that made us lose].”
